Cancer Reform Strategy - First Annual Report - Merseyside ...

14 CANCER REFoRM STRATEgyexperts in the field to develop the chapter, whichwill be available in early 2009.Research in cancer prevention2.32 Several important initiatives are underwayto strengthen research in cancer preventionand build an evidence base to inform policyand support the implementation of effectiveinterventions to reduce cancer risk andencourage behaviour change.2.33 The CRS reported on the NationalPrevention Research Initiative (NPRI), a UKwideinitiative made up of government bodies,research councils and major medical charitiesthat are working together to encourage andsupport research into chronic disease prevention,including cancer prevention. NPRI-fundedstudies are exploring a range of approachesto promoting positive health behaviour, toencourage people to avoid habits that increasetheir risk of cancer and to follow a healthy dietand physical activity programme.2.34 The CRS also outlined plans by themajor funders of public health research (underthe auspices of the UK Clinical ResearchCollaboration – UKCRC) to fund a number ofPublic Health Research Centres of Excellence inthe UK. Five successful Centres across the UKhave been awarded funding:• North East Centre of Excellence forTranslational Research in Public Health,Newcastle University – directed by ProfessorM White• Centre for the Development and Evaluationof Complex Interventions for PublicHealth Improvement, Cardiff University (incollaboration with Swansea University andBristol University) – directed by Professorl Moore• UKCRC Public Health Research Centre ofExcellence, Queens University Belfast –directed by Professor F Kee• Diet and Physical Activity Public HealthResearch Centre, Cambridge, University ofCambridge – directed by ProfessorN Wareham• The UK Centre for Tobacco Control Studies,University of Nottingham – directed byProfessor J Britton.