Our research into the long-term after-effects of polio

An estimated 80% of people living in the UK who have had polio, i.e. more than 40,000 individuals, are now being affected by new health problems about which very little is known. Their symptoms include extreme fatigue, muscle and joint pain, lack of strength and stamina, mood changes, breathing and swallowing difficulties, and sleep problems. Complications often include neuropathies, nerve entrapments, arthritis, scoliosis, osteoporosis and additional atrophy. These symptoms, known as post polio syndrome (PPS), can have a huge effect on employment, independence and quality of life.

Cancer and Polio Research Fund is one of the few charities in the UK, if not the only one, supporting research into this, aimed at understanding the condition and improving the quality of patients’ lives. Our research programme, now in its third year, is being undertaken at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital in London at a total cost £100,000. This year we will be contributing £20,000.