Tenovus Cancer Care is a British cancer charity committed to the control of cancer through quality research, prevention/education, counselling and patient care.
Tenovus Cancer Care was established in 1943 by ten businessmen (hence the 'ten-of-us'). Initially, the charity funded a range of projects. However, in 1964, Tenovus Cancer Care embarked on a project that was to influence their work over the next 40 years. D.R. Edwards, the founder Chairman of the group of ten, cut the first sod on the site of the Tenovus Institute for Cancer Research in Cardiff. Since then, Tenovus Cancer Care has concentrated its efforts on cancer and Tenovus Cancer Care scientists have been recognised for their pioneering work.
Nowadays, Tenovus Cancer Care remains the biggest Wales-based funder of cancer research and has developed a range of services to support cancer patients directly, including a Free Support Line, free counselling, benefits advice, two Mobile Cancer Support Units and 16 'Sing with Us' choirs.
Tenovus Cancer Care has funded world class cancer research for over 40 years.
The charity has funded scientists who have contributed to discoveries that have helped treat and care for millions of cancer patients all around the world. For example, in 1975 researchers showed that a contraceptive pill could halt the growth of breast cancers, leading to the birth of Tamoxifen, which is now taken by millions of women worldwide.
Tenovus Cancer Care now spends around £1M on research each year both on laboratory research to help develop new treatments for cancer, and research in the community to help local people and their families. In 2015 the charity has funded 10 separate PhD studentships in Cardiff, Swansea and Bangor universities.
Tenovus Cancer Care's first Mobile Support Unit was launched in February 2009. Since its launch, the Unit has opened its services in more than 50 locations and has accommodated over 5,000 patients and visitors. Working with Velindre NHS Trust, Tenovus Cancer Care has been delivering chemotherapy and other cancer treatments in Cwmbran and Nantgarw. During this period, over 10,000 treatments have been provided. In October 2013 the second Mobile Support Unit was launched to deliver support for people with Lymphoedema, an incurable condition which can be a side-effect of cancer treatment.
In 2014, Tenovus Cancer Care joined forces with Movember and Prostate Cancer UK to launch the UK's first ManVan, a 38 foot American Motorhome which offers men a safe, relaxing space in which to discuss issues around male cancers such as prostate and testicular cancer. In its first year the ManVan had more than 3,000 visitors in 100 locations across Wales.