A mum from Oldham who survived cancer has been given a first look at pioneering work to tackle cancer at a new facility in Manchester.
Sharon Quennell, from Chadderton, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000 at the age of 36 after noticing a lump on her left breast.
She underwent surgery followed by 12 weeks of chemotherapy treatment.
Now 60, Sharon will celebrate a quarter of a century without cancer next year.
She was given a sneak preview of pioneering work at the Cancer Research UK National Biomarker Centre ahead of its official opening on Friday, June 14.
Sharon works at North Manchester General Hospital and is a single mum to Ryan, aged 29, who has autism and learning disabilities.
She said: "I am always humbled to hear about the amazing research work happening in Manchester.
"Having a look at the National Biomarker Centre before the official opening is so exciting."
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Based in the Paterson Building, which is home to the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute and part of The University of Manchester, the new facility will help experts detect cancer at an earlier stage.
The work will help to detect a patient's cancer when there’s more chance of a cure, anticipate how aggressive a patient’s tumour is, predict which treatments are likely to work best, and monitor responses to personalised treatment.
Cancer Research UK will invest £2.5m into the National Biomarker Centre each year as part of an annual £26m investment in Manchester – putting the city at the heart of its mission to beat cancer.
On average, around 44,700 people are diagnosed with cancer in the North West each year.
Professor Caroline Dive, director of the National Biomarker Centre and Interim Director of the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, said: "The impact biomarkers will have on patients' care can't be underestimated.
"Doctors will be able to get more information, faster, to determine the best treatment plan for each individual.
"And it will stop some patients from undergoing unnecessary interventions or treatments that could cause pain or discomfort without providing benefit."
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