A GLASGOW scientist who has survived cancer four times is urging people across Scotland to show their support for everyone affected by cancer.

Emma Shanks is calling on men, women and children across the country to pick up a Unity Band and wear it with pride on World Cancer Day on February 4.

The 38-year-old is joining leading cancer charities Cancer Research UK, Breast Cancer Care, Anthony Nolan and the Movember Foundation, who have joined forces for World Cancer Day.

Together, their aim is to unite the nation and help transform the lives of millions of people affected by the disease.

The four charities touch the lives of millions of people across Scotland each year through their individual work in the prevention, detection, treatment and support of those affected by cancer.

Emma, who is also a scientist at the Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute in Glasgow, is proud to wear the Unity Bands which represent strength in unity.

The bands are made of two parts, knotted together, to symbolise the power of what can be achieved when people come together in a show of collective force.

Emma’s commitment is motivated by her personal experience of cancer.

As previously told in the Evening Times, in 2002, when she was just 24 years old, Emma discovered an ulcer on her tongue that wouldn't heal.

At this stage, Emma had laser surgery, which removed about a third of her tongue. However, the cancer returned in 2009 and again in 2011.

The operations that followed left Emma with permanent damage to her tongue and she was forced to adapt her speech to cope.

Then in April 2012, just two weeks after Emma had given birth to Isobel, she discovered the cancer had returned once again.

Despite being a Cancer Research UK scientist, the news that the mouth cancer had returned brought with it all kinds of fears and anxieties, most of all for her young family should she not survive this latest round of treatment.

“Before the operation, I worried constantly,” said Emma. “I think it was fear of the unknown.

"I was scared about coming through the operation and, if I did, what the scars would be like and how long it would take me to recover so I could look after my children.”

Fortunately, although distressing, the operation was a success and Emma has been told there is less than a three per cent chance that the cancer will return.

Now Emma is making the most of every moment.

As well as building a house on the family farm in Cerys, Fife, where her husband David works with his father David Snr, Emma is absolutely dedicated to her work trying to discover why oral cancer develops in younger people.

Although it’s less common for young people to develop oral cancer, as it’s a disease generally associated with old age, as well as habits such as smoking and heavy drinking, the incidence in the younger population has risen dramatically over the last decade.

She is also a dedicated mum to Isobel, aged three, and five-year-old Jamie.

Emma is wholeheartedly backing this year’s World Cancer Day and will be wearing her Unity Band with pride on February 4.

She said: “Cancer is a massively intricate and complicated disease to treat for many reasons. The only way we can find better treatments is through uniting our expertise and passion to see a day when all cancers can be cured.”

The Unity Bands are available from each charity in their own colours at www.worldcancerday.co.uk for a suggested donation of £2. All money raised from the Unity Bands will go towards the charities’ individual research projects and support services.

Linda Summerhayes, Cancer Research UK spokesperson in Scotland, said: “World Cancer Day provides an opportunity for people in Scotland and all across the UK and beyond to unite and show that together we can do something about cancer.

“So many of us have been affected by the disease, which is why on February 4 we are calling on the people of Scotland to join together and wear their Unity Band with pride.

“Success stories like Emma’s would not be possible without the commitment of our amazing supporters, who fund each charity’s individual work into the prevention, detection, treatment and support of those with cancer.

“So whatever your motivation – to remember a loved one, celebrate people who have overcome the disease, or to rally in support of those going through treatment – World Cancer Day is a chance to get involved and help reduce the impact of cancer on future generations.”

Money raised from the Unity Bands will fund breakthroughs in scientific research; save and improve the lives of people with blood cancers; provide high quality care, support and information for people with breast cancer; and fund research and support services to tackle prostate and testicular cancer.

Linda added: “We’re partnering with Breast Cancer Care, Anthony Nolan and the Movember Foundation to promote World Cancer Day this year.

"By working together we can make a bigger impact.

“With just two weeks/one week to go until the big day, we’re urging people to pick up a Unity Band now and be part of the generation that transforms the lives of the millions of people affected by cancer.

“Wearing a Unity Band is a simple way to show your support and a small action taken by many people really can make a huge difference.”

For more information and to find out where to get a Unity Band, visit www.worldcancerday.co.uk