Millions of ‘cancer resistant’ Britons could help scientists find cure after researchers discover 'switch' that 'reverses tumorous cells' ()
<iframe frameborder="0" height="100%" scrolling="no" src="https://www.gbnews.com/res/scraper/embed/?video_url=https%3A%2F%2Fmm-v2.simplestream.com%2Fiframe%2Fplayer.php%3Fkey%3D3Li3Nt2Qs8Ct3Xq9Fi5Uy0Mb2Bj0Qs%26player%3DGB003%26uvid%3D52652938%26type%3Dvod%26viously_id%3D_ZOj_cCHuxs" width="100%"></iframe><br/><p>Millions of Britons may possess natural resistance to cancer, according to experts.</p><p>Scientists are being offered up to £20 million to investigate why some people appear to be immune to developing tumours.</p><h3></h3><br/><p>Despite around 50 per cent of people in the UK being diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, tumours do not develop in everyone who would be expected to get one, such as heavy smokers.</p><p>This discovery could potentially lead to a major breakthrough in finding a cure for the disease.</p><h3></h3><br/><div class="embed-latest"></div><h3></h3><br/><img alt="Colon cancer" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="9fb0fefee5a209163d482ba4f83c7978" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="87d1a" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gbnews.com/media-library/colon-cancer.jpg?id=56490783&width=980"/><p>Prof Karen Vousden, of Cancer Research UK, said: "We spend an awful lot of time thinking about why people do get cancer but we haven't really thought about why some people don't."</p><p>"I'd be hopeful we'd see this in a large proportion of the population," she added.</p><p>If even just two per cent of people show natural resistance, that would equate to more than a million Britons.</p><p>Prof Vousden explained that the issue is complex, with genetics, environment and lifestyle factors potentially offering protection to some individuals.</p><p>In February, scientists in South Korea discovered a "switch" that they say reverses cancer cells, marking another major development in finding a cure.</p><p>Researchers were able to revert cancerous cells back to a healthier stage by activating a molecular mechanism.</p><p><span></span>The team identified a critical moment in the early stages of cancer development, before normal cells irreversibly transform into diseased cells.</p><p><strong>LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://www.gbnews.com/health/cancer-warning-expired-cosmetics-benzene" target="_self">All Britons at risk as dermatologist warns expired toiletries and beauty products could cause cancer</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gbnews.com/health/cancer-study-blood-types-more-likely" target="_self">People with certain blood types are more likely to develop cancer - new study</a></li><li><a href="https://www.gbnews.com/health/cancer-research-aspirin-stops-spread" target="_self">Cancer breakthrough: Scientists discover how drug stops cancer from spreading in 'Eureka moment'</a></li></ul><h3></h3><br/><p>This groundbreaking discovery could potentially revolutionise the way we fight the disease.</p><p>Current cancer treatments focus on removing or destroying cancer cells through surgery, radiation or chemotherapy.</p><p>However, this new research suggests a third option: helping patients regain healthy cells.</p><p><span></span>This approach could offer therapies that are less toxic and more effective than traditional methods.</p><p>Dr. Troso-Sandoval told MailOnline that exploiting the moment before normal cells irreversibly transform into diseased cells could prevent cancer progression.</p><p>The breakthrough could allow cancer patients to recover their healthy cells rather than simply removing the diseased ones.</p><p>"Cancer avoidance" is one of seven topics open to pitches for grants from Cancer Research UK's Cancer Grand Challenges pot.</p><h3></h3><br/><div class="embed-dontmiss"></div><h3></h3><br/><p>Winners of the initiative will be decided next year.</p><p>Last year, the fund supported research into the increase in young-onset bowel cancer.</p><p>This included £5 million contributed by the Bowelbabe fund, established by Sun columnist Dame Deborah James.</p><p>Scientists have also made other breakthroughs, including the discovery of sulfuretin, a compound found in everyday gardening that could help fight cancer.</p><p>The research into cancer resistance could transform our understanding of the disease and lead to new prevention strategies.</p><p>Prof Vousden noted that protective factors may vary widely among individuals.</p>
