Imagine being told you have bowel cancer at just 39 years old. A devastating diagnosis, but one that, thankfully, I beat after an 18-month battle. Or so I thought.
The Fight Doesn't End with 'Cancer-Free'
Seven years ago, I was given the all-clear, but my story, like that of thousands of others, didn't end there. I've lived with daily pain and complications ever since. It's a reality that many survivors face, but one that often goes unnoticed.
Wes Streeting's Cancer Plan: A Missed Opportunity?
The recently released National Cancer Plan for England, spearheaded by Health Secretary Wes Streeting, aims to improve survival rates and invest in early diagnosis. It's an ambitious plan, but it falls short when it comes to addressing the long-term needs of cancer survivors. The plan mentions survivorship briefly, but it fails to acknowledge the physical and psychological challenges that persist long after discharge.
The Impact of Treatment: A Personal Account
In my case, heated chemotherapy, known as HIPEC, left my organs fused together with scar tissue. My digestive system was a tangled mess, and going to the toilet became a painful, urgent, and frequent ordeal. I managed as best I could, but eventually, I had to undergo major surgery to untangle my organs. It was a complex procedure involving multiple specialists and a robot!
The Emotional Toll and the Need for Support
The surgery brought back traumatic memories and emotions from my previous battle with cancer. It's a constant reminder that survival is not just about beating the disease but also about living with its aftermath. The plan promises a 'personalised support plan' after treatment, but it's unclear how this will be implemented, especially with an underfunded NHS.
The Missing Piece: Proactive Support
What's missing is proactive, ongoing support. Regular meetings with specialists who understand the unique needs of cancer survivors could make a world of difference. Life after cancer is different, and it's a challenge that many face alone.
The Safety Net Vanishes, but the Worry Persists
There's a period during treatment where you feel safe, with regular appointments and a team that knows your name. But as time passes, those appointments become less frequent, and eventually, you're discharged. The safety net is gone, but the worry that any new symptom could be cancer returning remains. Many patients need ongoing support for psychological issues and physical complications that may emerge later.
The Need for Specialized Care
My treatment put me into premature menopause, yet I wasn't offered necessary HRT. Breast cancer survivors often need reconstructive surgery redone after ten years. Other survivors may deal with lymphoedema, a condition causing swelling and fluid retention. These are issues that require specialized care and follow-up.
A Global Perspective
In some parts of the world, like Australia, cancer survivors receive annual check-ups with a team of specialists. This holistic approach ensures that any concerns can be addressed promptly.
The Future of Cancer Survival
If the government's plan succeeds, we'll see more people surviving cancer. But we must ask, what then? What support systems are in place to ensure these survivors not only survive but thrive?
A Call for Action
In a video message to Wes Streeting, I asked about his plans for cancer survivors. He acknowledged it as a 'growing challenge'. I suggest we keep the checks going, even after discharge. Cancer survivors need access to a range of specialists to ensure they not only survive but live well.
A Thankful Survivor's Plea
I'm incredibly grateful to be a cancer survivor, but it's not enough to just survive. We must strive for a future where cancer survivors can live fulfilling lives, free from the physical and psychological burdens of their past battles.
