about KCUK

Every year there are about 6,000 newly diagnosed cases of kidney cancer in the UK -- that's 16 new cases per day or one every 90 minutes -- and the incidence is steadily increasing. It is the 12th most common type of cancer in the UK. It is an extremely difficult disease to treat effectively, especially after it has spread to other parts of the body. KCUK, founded in January 2000, is the country's first support organisation for kidney cancer patients and carers. It aims to provide reliable, up-to-date information about the disease and its treatment, to raise public awareness, to bring patients and carers together to share their experiences and discuss common problems, and to work with the medical profession to improve standards of care. Under the auspices of KCUK, the country's first Kidney Cancer Awareness Week was held from 23 to 29 September 2002. On 10 November 2003 a second major awareness campaign was launched: New Light on Kidney Cancer. KCUK is registered as a private limited company (Kidney Cancer UK Limited, company number 3918876) and is a registered charity (number 1089119). It holds an annual conference, organises educational events, publishes a quarterly magazine and occasional information leaflets, provides an Internet discussion forum, and regularly updates its website with essential information of interest to kidney cancer patients and carers, medical professionals and scientific researchers.

KCUK's financial resources depend entirely on membership subscriptions and voluntary donations. By becoming a member, you can demonstrate your support for our aims, shape the future evolution of KCUK, and help us to make a real difference to the lives of UK kidney cancer patients and carers.

There are encouraging signs in the UK that cancer patients and carers are being given more opportunity to have their say in the policy decisions that affect them locally and nationally. KCUK is developing a strong advocacy role, and to this end it has already taken several important steps. On 21 June 2000 Keith Taylor presented oral and written evidence to the House of Commons Select Committee on Science and Technology as part of its inquiry into cancer research in the UK ('Cancer Research -- A Fresh Look'). Click Here if you would like to read this evidence.

KCUK has a Board of Trustees currently consisting of three members:  Dr Tim Eisen (Medical Advisor), Lynda Pyle and Joan Thompson (Chairperson).  All trustees serve in a voluntary capacity. Sadly, in January 2006 Keith Taylor, KCUK co-founder and President, lost his battle with kidney cancer, his work to help others with kidney cancer was tireless and relentless, and his contribution to KCUK is greatly missed.  Keith Taylor’s work on behalf of kidney cancer patients and carers was recognised in 2000, when he received the CancerBACUP Millenium award for UK cancer patient of the year.  KCUK’s honorary patron (2003) is Nicholas Owen, ITV news presenter, who was himself diagnosed with kidney cancer in July 2002.  The guiding principle of KCUK is that the organisation should be run by and for those with direct experience of kidney cancer.  However, in May 2005 KCUK appointed its first employee, Julie Nash, our part time Administrator, this appointment has been fundamental in improving the efficiency of KCUK and has proved to be the correct decision for the long-term future of KCUK

KCUK has played a leading role in establishing a new UK Rarer Cancers Alliance, thanks especially to the work of the late Kevin McKiernan and the late Mike Arscott. This group seeks to focus attention on the needs of those affected by the less common cancers, since at present these cancers are generally not well supported in terms of cancer services, research funding and public health information. (It is worth remembering that about 50 per cent of all cancer patients belong to this category.) Another important initiative has been the creation of a South West London Patients Partnership Forum, which seeks to give cancer patients in this area a strong voice in the provision of cancer services.

These are just a few examples of the many national activities in which KCUK is now involved. KCUK representatives have also attended conferences and meetings in other countries, including the 2001 convention of America's Kidney Cancer Association (San Francisco, July), in order to learn more about the latest advances in the diagnosis and treatment of kidney cancer.

We welcome all suggestions and offers of practical help. If you have particular skills which could help us to achieve our goals, please let us know.