Novartis & University of Glasgow raise awareness of rare blood cancers with art led sculpture exhibition

Meet the MPN 10 is a Novartis disease awareness campaign, funded by Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd and developed in collaboration with MPN Voice.

Article Source: Novartis & University of Glasgow
Last Updated: 2 September 2024 13:24

Image Credit: Martin Shields

Marking the start of Blood Cancer Awareness Month this September, Novartis UK, MPN Voice and the University of Glasgow are pleased to announce the arrival of the immersive ‘Meet the MPN 10’ exhibition at the University campus to shine a light on the symptoms of a group of rare blood cancers called myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). The 10 giant number sculptures, that have been on a tour of the UK, have been exclusively designed by five mural artists, with Stirling-born Artist, Ross MacRae, designing numbers 1 and 6.

MPNs are a type of blood cancer that originates in the bone marrow. There are three main types of MPNs: myelofibrosis (MF), essential thrombocythaemia (ET) and polycythaemia (PV). With MPNs affecting ~4,100 people in the UK each year, it's never been more important to be aware of the symptoms.1 The installation forms part of Novartis and MPN Voice’s campaign ‘Meet the MPN 10’ which features 10 characters that personify the most common symptoms associated with these types of cancers – for example, ‘Night Sweats Nick’ and ‘Weight Loss Wendy’. Visitors to the installation can meet and interact with the characters via an augmented reality (AR) experience triggered by QR codes.

Professor Andrew Tobin, Director of the Mazumdar-Shaw Advanced Research Centre said: “We are delighted to host this important exhibition at the University of Glasgow during Blood Cancer Awareness Month. This exhibition highlights the powerful role of art in enhancing communication, empathy and understanding of serious diseases, such as blood cancers. Since opening, the ARC has hosted events and exhibitions which invite conversations around research and the challenges we face locally, nationally and globally. These conversations are vital to developing impactful research which can change lives.”

“MPNs can affect people of any age at any stage in their life. A diagnosis of MPN brings with it many challenges in terms of overall health and wellbeing, particularly the debilitating symptoms that many people experience, which are often dismissed. More needs to be done to recognise and identify these symptoms early so that people living with MPNs can seek help from medical professionals to better manage their symptoms, and those who are undiagnosed can seek a potential diagnosis sooner.” commented Alisia O’Sullivan, MPN Voice.

“MPNs are a group of rare blood cancers originating in the bone marrow. The symptoms can easily be confused with other conditions and even diagnosed patients can sometimes live with debilitating symptoms, such as fatigue, for a long time without realising that it’s their MPN that is causing these.” Said Dr. Gillian Horne, Senior Clinical Lecturer and Honorary Consultant in molecular diagnostics and leukaemia at the Paul O’Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, University of Glasgow, and Beatson, West of Scotland Cancer Centre.

“It’s important for people to spot the symptoms early and for those who have been diagnosed with an MPN to make sure they are speaking openly with their healthcare team about the impact symptoms are having on quality of life.”

Marie-Andrée Gamache, Country President, Novartis UK and Ireland added “This unique exhibition is part of Novartis’s ongoing commitment to transforming the lives of people living with blood cancers. By working in partnership with MPN Voice, we’ve been able to use real experiences from those living with MPNs about the true impact these symptoms have on their quality of life. With art rooted in Glasgow’s culture, we’re so pleased to have teamed up with the University of Glasgow to bring the exhibition to here where it can help spread an important message.”

“It's all about raising awareness.” said Ross MacRae, Edinburgh-based artist. “You might know somebody, a relative or a friend, that might have these symptoms and if you go to this exhibition – you’ll also see some nice art but that's kind of the by-product, – the actual importance is to learn and be able to recognise these symptoms so you can check up on people, or maybe you'll feel them yourself. You could save a life, or your own, so worthwhile checking the exhibition out because of that.”

The temporary art exhibition at the University of Glasgow, Advanced Research Centre (ARC), Glasgow, will run from 2nd to 22nd September.Find out more about the MPN campaign here: www.novartis.com

The MPN 10 Tracker website is a useful tool created and funded by Novartis for patients living with an MPN, helping them manage their disease: www.mpntracker.com

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Glasgow News

Glasgow Royal Concert Hall to host London Philharmonic Orchestra

Glasgow Royal Concert Hall is set to welcome back one of the world's best and most famous orchestras.

Autumnal styling, sandwiches and scones with Dobbies

For October, Dobbies Garden Centres has launched a brand new autumn edition of its hands-on planting experience, combined with a tasty Afternoon Tea.

Brand new live psychological skill game show with cash prize will storm the nation this Christmas!

A game of lies, skill, deceit and manipulation. The ultimate psychological gameshow experience is coming to Glasgow, how far will you go for a £1000 cash prize?

Big Scottish Breakfast Ambassador, Anton Danyluk serves breakfast at Skypark

Skypark hosted the Big Scottish Breakfast on 11th September, to raise funds for the campaign while STV Big Scottish Breakfast Ambassador Anton Danyluk helped to serve breakfast.

SAY Award unveils Longlist

The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, today reveals the 20 outstanding Scottish albums on 2024's Longlist.

Celentanos teams up with The Gate for a culinary takeover to celebrate Negroni Week next week

Modern Scottish pub, The Gate is teaming up with foodie favourite, Celentano's and Campari to host a culinary takeover to celebrate Negroni Week next weekend.

Unsigned band wrest sell out 2,000 capacity Barrowland Ballroom

Unsigned Edinburgh indie rock band wrest have sold out the legendary Barrowland Ballroom in Glasgow - without industry support, a manager or label backing.

New drinks delivery service launches in Glasgow

Glasgow's newest drinks delivery service is the first in the UK to offer TikTok's hottest trending drinks – and some households might get a surprise visit from a leading mixologist

Fat Hippo Glasgow launch brand new breakfast menu

Is BURG-fast the most important meal of the day? Burger giants Fat Hippo would agree as they throw their buns into the breakfast menu ring this month.

BBC Debate Night returns for 2024

BBC Scotland's topical TV programme Debate Night returns later this month and they are searching for people to be part of the big studio audience.

New Scottish music awards receives over 3000 nominations in first 48 hours

The recently launched Scottish Live Music Awards (SLMA), in association with GO Radio, has seen an overwhelming response, receiving over 3000 nominations in just the first 2 days.

Courtney Bowman to star as Lauren in Kinky Boots

Courtney Bowman will join Strictly's Johannes Radebe in Kinky Boots at the King's Theatre Glasgow in February!

First look at new production of War Horse, the award winning National Theatre production coming to the Theatre Royal Glasgow

Brand new production images have been released for the National Theatre's acclaimed production of War Horse, based on Michael Morpurgo's beloved novel.

Govan walking group hailed as a highlight of the week by Care Home Residents

A Govan social enterprise has partnered with a local care home to provide much-needed exercise, stimulation and entertainment for residents.

Festive Fever: Best Christmas Party Nights in Glasgow for 2024

'Tis the season to eat, drink, and be very merry, so make sure you do it in style this year at one of Glasgow’s top shared party nights!

Gravity Active launches incredible new deals, just in time for Autumn

Gravity Active is excited to introduce two brand new offers, set to provide families with unforgettable experiences this Autumn.

Platform brews up new craft beer experiences including Oktoberfest & Hands On Brew School at microbrewery

Multi-faceted venue, Platform is gearing up for a season of craft beer with two brand-new experiences launching this autumn.

Sports clubs across Glasgow and the west awarded funding from Aldi Scotland Awards

Aldi Scotland has invested £7,500 in nine local sports clubs across Glasgow and the West, as part of its annual Scottish Sport Fund initiative.

Sunny Govan lives up to its name as it puts best foot forward for Footbridge Festival

Govan put its best foot forward as it staged a free one-off festival on Saturday to mark the opening of the new Govan-Partick Bridge.

Edinburgh Butter Company announces search for the Best Croissant in Scotland

The Edinburgh Butter Company is excited to announce the launch of Scotland’s first-ever croissant competition, open to bakers across the country.

Get ready to be blown away... Twisters returns to 4DX at Cineworld

Hold onto your popcorn, because Cineworld is thrilled to announce the whirlwind return of the blockbuster hit Twisters to 4DX screens nationwide, due to an overwhelming tornado of popular demand!

The Force reawakens at Vue venues in Scotland this September as the Star Wars saga returns to the big screen

Film fans are invited to revisit a galaxy far, far away this September as every main Star Wars film brings some of cinema's most iconic heroes and villains back to the big screen.

Great Scottish Run: 4 weeks to go

Are you ready to take on Scotland's greatest running event at this year's AJ Bell Great Scottish Run in Glasgow on Sunday 6 October?

Govan care home residents embrace street art at the first purpose built graffiti studio in Scotland

Care home residents unleashed their creativity during a day out at SWG3’s Yardworks Studio which saw them trying their hand at graffiti art.

Cast announced for Aladdin, the first ever Disney production to come to Glasgow!

Disney Theatrical Productions present the critically acclaimed Broadway and West End musical Aladdin which will land in Glasgow for a limited season!

Freshers... this bar NEEDS to be on your bucket list

What better way to break the ice with your new flatmates than with some competitive fun and few drinks? Cue Social Darts at Flight Club!

Unique venue offers the perfect stage

Festival-goers attending the fourth Music at the Multiverse festival at the weekend enjoyed fantastic live music, sunshine and showers in one of Scotland’s most spectacular outdoor venues.

Thousands from Northern Ireland set sail for Scottish universities

Students go FREE with Stena Line on Cairnryan and Liverpool routes.

Buchanan Galleries honours emergency service heroes with shopping discounts

Glasgow shopping centre, Buchanan Galleries, announces savings and discounts for National Emergency Services Day available to local NHS and emergency service heroes.