Following his 12-year tenure as a Heartburn Cancer UK Trustee, we are thrilled that Professor Tim Underwood has accepted our invitation to become an Honorary Life Governor. Tim will continue to collaborate closely with the HCUK team to pursue progress and improved outcomes for oesophageal cancer patients.
As an Honorary Life Governor, Tim’s expertise, dedication, and ongoing involvement will provide invaluable guidance and support, helping to drive our awareness initiatives and patient support programs. His leadership will ensure that patients receive the best possible care and support throughout their journey, from diagnosis to treatment and beyond.
Tim passionately believes that advancements in diagnosis and treatment, grounded in basic scientific research, can significantly improve survival rates for oesophageal cancer. His commitment to this cause is unwavering, and his work continues to make a substantial impact in the field.
As a surgeon scientist with a special focus on oesophageal cancer, Tim performs surgery for cancer of the oesophagus and stomach weekly, alongside a team of specialists. His hands-on approach in the operating room is complemented by his leadership in the research community. Additionally, he leads a network of researchers and clinicians in Southampton (SC3) who share this mission and is proud to represent both them and their patients.
Tim’s research delves into understanding the ecosystem of cancer, specifically how non-cancer cells interact with cancer cells in the tumour micro environment. This data is crucial for designing trials of new treatments, which have the potential to revolutionise cancer care and improve patient outcomes.
In 2018, Tim was appointed as the Surgical Specialty Lead in oesophageal cancer by the Royal College of Surgeons, a role part-funded by HCUK and AUGIS. This position has proven vital in linking designated Surgical Trial Centres with national clinical research networks within their disciplines. His work in this capacity has fostered greater collaboration and innovation in surgical research, benefiting patients nationwide.
Married with two children, Tim has been passionate about sports since childhood. He can often be found up a mountain, skiing in the winter, or cycling in the summer. His love for sports reflects his energetic and determined nature, qualities that he brings to his professional endeavours and his role at HCUK.
