Government urged to protect EU funding for cancer research post-Brexit

Scientists have expressed concern over the future of research funding in post-Brexit Britain.

A poll of 108 cancer researchers found nine in 10 are concerned Brexit will have a negative impact on their ability to obtain EU research funding.

The survey, conducted by the charity Pancreatic Cancer UK, also found that 89% of researchers believe that Britain's exit from the European Union will have a negative impact on clinical trials for pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic Cancer UK says Brexit is "particularly worrying" for patients with the disease because since 2008, the EU has contributed at least £6.2 million to pancreatic cancer research in the UK.

The charity has called on the Government to guarantee EU research funding for the disease.

Alex Ford, chief executive at Pancreatic Cancer UK, said: "With pancreatic cancer set to become the UK's fourth biggest cancer killer by 2026, the UK government must protect EU funding for vital research as we begin the next chapter of Britain's history.

"We are beginning to see exciting research breakthroughs which could pave the way to change the future for this long-neglected disease, and to halt this progress would be a tragedy for patients and their families.

"Pancreatic cancer attracts less than 2% of UK cancer research funding each year.

"Without a guarantee of EU funding for research and access to EU clinical trials, the treatment options of current patients would be even more limited."