PIONEERING cancer scientists at the University of York will host a thought-provoking production about cancer and genetic testing aimed at young people and their families.

Professor Norman Maitland and his team at the YCR Cancer Research Unit hope to raise awareness of the complex ethical and emotional implications of modern medicine through an interactive, educational performance and workshop by the national Y Touring Theatre Company.

The production will also highlight the award-winning research into prostate cancer currently being carried out by Prof Maitland following a £2.15 million award from Yorkshire Cancer Research.

He said: “When you mention the word cancer to most members of the public, there are two reactions – emotion as we have all been touched by the disease in our families at some time and fear that it could happen to them or their loved ones.

“Nothing touches my emotions better than the theatre, and by understanding cancer through the medium of live theatre, we should be able to reduce that fear factor.

“Our research on prostate cancer is designed to remove the fear of the unknown in cancer. By understanding how the cancer arises, and why, which we believe can be accessed through our study of the role of stem cells in the disease, we can perhaps offer real improvements in treatment.

“The YCR Unit in York has pioneered this approach to prostate cancer.”

The performance, called Dayglo by Abi Brown, focuses on exploring advances in the understanding of how human genomes function in health and disease, and the likely impact of pharmacogenetics on future health.

It does this through the journeys and perspectives of four characters who are each affected by advances in medicine.

Centering around the protagonist Evelyn and her struggle with breast cancer, the performance offers an in-depth look at the achievements and complications of cutting-edge scientific research.

The production, researched and developed in partnership with The Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) and the University of Ulster, will be enhanced by audience debate, electronic voting and a panel of experts including scientists, actors and clinicians.

For more information and to book tickets for the performance on Tuesday, March 20, visit yorkshirecancerresearch.org.uk