5 minute read

Cancer doesn’t discriminate

Today (Saturday 8 March) is International Women’s Day, and IDW wants you to imagine a gender equal world. However, that world already exists among cancer patients. Indeed, one look at the latest overview of UK cancer statistics shows that almost 2 million, roughly half of all people currently living with cancer in the UK, are women.

Of course, that isn’t something to celebrate. However, I would at least like to take a moment to recognise all the brave women around the world whose lives have been affected by cancer in some way, and that includes the loved ones and carers who can often be the heroes of the story. I know I couldn’t have coped with my terminal diagnosis without my wife and daughter.

Sadly though, one statistic I saw today highlighted that 1 in 4 (25%) women are currently known to be struggling with severe worry, fear, and anxiety as a result of their diagnosis. That’s why I think that raising awareness about cancer shouldn’t stop at the diagnosis because, for many people living with cancer, the diagnosis is only the beginning.

It doesn’t stop there, though, because the same survey also found that around 32% of women have multiple concerns across at least four major areas of their lives (physical, emotional, practical and financial). Cancer may not discriminate, but that doesn’t mean that everyone gets the same cancer care they deserve.

Everyone’s experience of cancer is unique but since this is International Women’s Day, Macmillan Cancer Support are raising awareness of the experiences of women who are living with cancer and the issues they face in accessing the health and cancer care they need. Furthermore, they want you to know that, whoever you are and wherever you live, they’re ready to help you live your life as fully as possible.

ShineALight

March is also Brain Tumour Awareness Month. That’s why I’ll be sharing stories of people affected by brain tumours on my Facebook page all month, and if you haven’t already, you can connect with me here.

I’d love to hear your personal story or why not share a photo because cancer is more than a disease. It’s a deeply personal matter that can disrupt every part of your life, and you are much more than just your diagnosis.

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of attending a service of remembrance and thanks for the life of Wendy Marsden, a truly unique individual who died too soon after a 13 month fight with a Glioblastoma Brain Tumour.

That’s why, today, as with any day, I’d like to also remember those remarkable women who are no longer with us on these bright and sunny days, as well as every female cancer survivor and thriver around the world.

If this is something that has touched you and you want to show your support, you can donate to brain tumour support in memory of Wendy and for all the brain tumour patients out there. I know her family would be truly grateful, and your support  can help bring hope for the future:

https://www.braintumoursupport.co.uk/donate/

I’ve asked Wendy’s husband, Ian, a dear friend of mine to write something for me so we can share their unique story here because Wendy (and indeed Ian) was a true warrior who really did leave an afterglow of smiles and happy memories.

If you can’t donate, that’s okay and you could always wear a hat on Friday, 28th March and take part in ‘Wear A Hat Day’ to support brain tumour research. One in three people will know someone affected by this devastating disease that kills more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer.

There are many different types of brain tumours, and symptoms often depend on where the tumour is in the brain and how slowly or quickly it grows. That said, the major signs and symptoms of brain tumours to look out for are:

• Changes in personality or behaviour;
• Problems with thinking, reasoning, or memory;
• Headaches;
• Seizures (fits).

These symptoms can be caused by a brain tumour. But they can be caused by other conditions too. It is important to get them checked by your GP straight away.

Chloe’s Story

This is Chloe. When she was three, she was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Since her diagnosis, Chloe has had several brain surgeries along with three and a half years of chemotherapy, which has affected her eyesight and left her partially sighted and yet, her mam Nikki said:

“Chloe has never once complained and is always smiling and happy. She inspires me every day.”

She recently received the Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People Star Award in recognition of her courage in the face of cancer. A truly inspiring girl.

Ideal Woman

Well folks, that brings this newsletter to an end but before I go, I’ll leave you with a song by a very talented woman I only recently became aware of. Anyone who’s seen the TV show ‘The Day of the Jackal’, which features her song ‘This is who I Am’, will already be familiar with her music, but it’s another song (‘Ideal Woman’) that I’m going to choose because, in Celeste’s own words:

“This song is about defying society’s stereotypes of women and embracing who you are. It’s also a song where I identify my own own insecurities in I guess by voicing them I am accepting them, at least attempting to. It’s really about saying there isn’t or shouldn’t be this idea in our heads of an “ideal women.” We shouldn’t try to construct or refine ourselves – taking us away from our natural way or state to live up to this idea that we or other people have decided upon up in our imaginations”