GROUND BREAKING cancer research pioneered by a specialist at Lancaster University has won financial support from the North West Cancer Research Fund.

Dr. Fiona Benson from the Department of Biological Sciences has received £56,000 to carry out new research into the repair of DNA which may lead to the development of more effective cancer treatment

When DNA, the genetic material of chromosomes, is damaged, harmful alterations can occur that may lead to cancer. DNA can be damaged spontaneously and because of exposure to environmental effects such as sunlight and cigarette smoke. Dr Benson's work will study the role of a protein which is known to play a part in allowing DNA to repair itself naturally.

Dr Benson said: "Basically, cancer is caused when something goes wrong in our DNA which allows our cells to replicate without any of the normal control. This is why it is very important that any damage to our DNA is repaired immediately to prevent harmful changes which may lead to proliferation. I will be studying how a protein called XRCC2 acts to repair DNA damage."

Professor Trevor McMillan, Head of the Department of Biological Sciences, said: "This is an important addition to the ever-increasing efforts we are making into biomedical research generally and cancer research in particular in the Department of Biological Sciences in Lancaster University."