Galway-based researchers behind innovative projects to increase uptake for bowel screening and to make needle insertions less daunting for patients were among the big winners at the Irish Cancer Society Research Awards on Thursday.
Dr Alice Le Bonniec secured the sought-after title of Senior Researcher of the Year at the Society’s blue riband event, which recognises excellence in the field of Irish cancer research.
The psychologist, who is based in NUI Galway, received funding from the charity for a post-doctoral research project that is aimed at improving the uptake rate for the BowelScreen programme. This national screening programme is available for everyone aged 60-69, but current uptake at around 40% is low compared to other screening programmes.
Commenting on her award, Dr Le Bonniec said that if colorectal cancer is detected early, people have a very good chance of recovering so it is so important for people to get screened. The screening rate for bowel cancer is very low and this has been the case for some time, so it is important to increase awareness of this.
“I was surprised and delighted, and I am very honoured to receive this award from the Irish Cancer Society,” added Dr Le Bonniec, who moved to Galway from her native France last March.
“I have loved the experience of living in Galway so far, it has been amazing to discover. I have brilliant colleagues in NUIG who have been very welcoming, friendly and supportive, especially my great mentor Dr Jenny Mc Sharry,” she added.
Ultrasound
Advanced Nurse Practitioner Caitríona Duggan saw off stiff competition on the night to take home the title of PhD Researcher of the Year for her work on a project that seeks to use ultrasound to improve the success rate of cannula insertions for patients undergoing cancer treatment:
“We know one in four patients require a second attempt at cannulation, and this increases patient anxiety and leads to treatment delays,” said Portiuncula-based advanced nurse practitioner Duggan, who is carrying out her research through NUIG School of Nursing and Midwifery.
“I’ve had patients tell me that you’re educated about the side-effects of chemotherapy and you expect them, but that you don’t expect the stress that something like multiple failed cannulations can cause. We want to prevent that so that they aren’t coming in and dreading the needle, so we need to better evaluate if ultrasound can help improve insertion success.
“I am so grateful I responded to Dr Peter Carr’s call for a clinical collaborator for the Irish Cancer Nurse Award 2021. I am excited about the opportunity to work with an internationally respected clinical researcher in intravenous access, our Public and Patient Involvement team, and the wider cancer research team at NUIG SAOLTA.
“I feel the quality of clinical research we are planning in evaluating ultrasound technology will only benefit our patients and highlight positively that nurses can lead research.”
Congratulating the winners on their awards, Irish Cancer Society Director of Research Dr Robert O’Connor said these deserved accolades for Alice and Caitríona are further recognition of a flourishing cancer research culture in Galway, which is absolutely essential to ensuring that patients in the region continue to have access to cutting-edge care, treatment and clinical trials, all of which are supported through the fundraising efforts of the public, including Daffodil Day on Friday 25 March.
