AS PEOPLE around the world mark World Cancer Day today, researchers and fundraisers in Oxford want to highlight their pioneering work.

The city is leading the way to finding a cure with about 500 people and over £20m spent on research in the last year alone.

A series of talks and events throughout today will demonstrate Oxford’s key role.

Tara Clarke, Oxford’s research engagement manager for Cancer Research UK, says every single person in the city has a part to play in fighting it.

She said: “Here in Oxford we receive an extra £5m of funding every year because we are one of three centres of excellence in the UK – we are world leading. Our work involves creating a quick transition from lab to bedside so we can ultimately save more lives but everyone has a role to play.

“From the scientists doing the research, to charities and hospices looking after people with the illnesses, to the general public raising money or donating money to charities, we all play an important part.”

Ms Clarke added cancer now affects one in two people and said the recent string of celebrity deaths from the disease only highlighted the importance of research.

She said: “Whether it’s Bowie or Alan Rickman or Terry Wogan, cancer has claimed too many lives already this year and it really could be anyone so we really need to carry on working to eradicate it.

“So if people want to donate or find out more on World Cancer Day they will really be helping work towards our end goal.”

Oxford City Council is collaborating with Cancer Research UK and the International Network for Cancer Treatment and Research today in the hope of providing more information on the disease.

Guest speakers from Oxfordshire County Council, Macmillan, Sue Ryder, Oxfordshire Prostate Cancer Support Group and the Cochrane Centre will be at Oxford Town Hall from 9.30am and they will talk about cancer diagnosis and treatment in the 21st century.

Cancer Research UK will be out on the streets of Oxford with a stand in Bonn Square and in the afternoon along South Parks Road. The day will end with a gala concert at the Holywell Music Room in Holywell Street.