Four leading experts from University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB) have spoken of their optimism in tackling cancer for a new Kindle publication.

The New Optimists: Challenging Cancer is the first of a series of essay collections in Kindle format written by scientists from the West Midlands.

Contributions from within the hospital trust come from Professor Derek Alderson, Barling Professor and Head of the Department of Surgery at the University of Birmingham; Professor Charles Craddock, Director of the Blood and Marrow Transplant Unit at UHB; Professor Nick James, Professor of Clinical Oncology at the University of Birmingham and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham; and Professor Paul Moss, Head of the School of Cancer Studies at the University of Birmingham.

Edited by New Optimists founder Kate Cooper and published by the Birmingham-based Linus Publishing Company, the collection contains ten essays by leading scientists from the West Midlands, all of whom were asked to respond to the question “What are you optimistic about?”

The publication points out that one in three of us will be diagnosed with cancer some time in our lives, yet the scientists say there is much to be optimistic about. Professor Moss, honorary consultant at UHB, believes that cancer will be controlled within a generation.

Kate Cooper, who is also CEO of Linus Publishing, said: “It is inspiring and reassuring to know just how much excellent cancer research is going on in our universities and hospitals by world-class researchers and clinicians.

“I’m delighted, too, that new technologies mean lots of people will get to know about it. This is the first of a series of digital books and iPad apps we are developing locally to showcase our scientists and the great work they do.”

The Kindle publication, priced on Amazon at £2.99, is introduced by local broadcaster and journalist Sue Beardsmore.
Nine essays in “Challenging Cancer” were first published in a hardcopy book featuring essays by more than 80 scientists from the region. A tenth essay, by Professor Lawrence Young, is a new addition.

For more information, please contact Kate Cooper or visit the New Optimists website.

Telephone: 0121 454 5666
Email: kate.cooper@newoptimists.com