By Elliott West
“Six in 10 people (56%) say a cancer diagnosis is their biggest health fear, above other illnesses including heart disease and COVID-19. Almost two-thirds (63%) of those surveyed said dying was their biggest cancer fear, with more than one in three (37%) worried about being a burden on family and friends and over another third (36%) worried about the impact of chemotherapy or other treatments.”
NHS England
Introduction
Being given a cancer diagnosis in any shape or form, is like a lightning bolt coming down from the sky and turning your life upside down. For many, their cancer can lay dormant and undetected for months or sometimes years, until it is picked up in a mammogram screening or symptoms, fire a warning sign to get yourself checked out. Anyone who has had cancer themselves or known a friend or loved one with it will know the tears and mental agony you go through. It’s like your life clock has been on pause as the world races on around you. It almost becomes a secret that you share with few, knowing only too well, that they can truly understand what you are going through.
The Sands of Time
Far too many people ignore their symptoms. Whether it is blood in their urine, abdominal or lower back pain, a persistent cough an abdominal lump or extreme lethargy. Pride takes over and the person just thinks it will go away, like a common cold and nothing like a good night’s sleep can’t cure. Well, stop right there and think for a moment. This is a natural but irrational decision, the defence mechanism kicking in but going into the wrong gear. Wait too long and it could just worsen your situation and maybe create an outcome where the cancer is too advanced and not even the brilliance of medical science can reverse.
The Necessary Test
Whether it is a mammogram or a screening for bowel or prostate cancer, accept it and go for the test. You may test negative but either way, you know for sure. You might feel fine but unknown to you, there is a problem but the alarm is not raised until it flags up in a testing laboratory. In an alarming survey conducted by the Roy Castle Foundation, just two in five respondents (41%) said they would visit their GP if they had a persistent cough for three weeks or more. It is also the case that too many under-50s ignore the early warning signs of cancer. This section of the population is extremely vulnerable with cancer diagnoses rising by 80% over three decades to reach 3.26 million in 2019. Although smoking and vaping increase the risk of cancer, a perfectly fit and healthy person can still develop a form of cancer and that is a stark fact. Cancer doesn’t care whose body it invades and should never be underestimated. It comes in so many forms and can completely change your lifestyle and way of working. Just take Jackie Collins as an example. The late author, sister of Joan, waited four years to have a lump in her breast checked. By the time she did, it was too late and Jackie sadly died from stage 4 breast cancer in 2015, aged 77 years old.
Positive Mindset
To cope with any form of illness, a positive mindset is a must. Getting a cancer diagnosis has become more and more common with someone in the UK being told every two minutes that they have cancer. That is not an easy conversation to have and the impact on the individual is immense. So many thoughts must rush through your head when this statement is made and I can’t begin to imagine how terrifying it must be to go through. Yet despite this dark life moment, it is always important to remember that so many forms of cancer are treatable, especially if caught early. Many people radically change their lifestyle with a change in diet, regular exercise and most importantly being open with their illness to friends and family. The key is that you are not alone and even when you are at your lowest point, there is always someone there to help and listen. Cancer doesn’t have to be a death sentence, it’s how you manage it in your way.
More to Do
Cancer treatment can have a massive effect on being able to go to work. Although cancer is a protected characteristic under UK law, the employer doesn’t have to pay you to attend treatment and medical appointments. It is discretionary and it has a considerable financial impact on the employee if they are losing money in their payslip. State benefits to subsidise pay, are often complicated with form-filling and means-testing assessments. However, a claim may be necessary if your cancer is advanced and you can’t physically work. The cancer charity Macmillan also provides one-off grants to help people with low incomes and little savings. This can help to buy the necessary items like clothing, help pay heating bills or travel to your appointments. This payment of £300 is helpful especially if you are not eligible for a Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Employment Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit. This is probably why in a recent survey, 42% said they would ignore their cancer symptoms. Unbelievable but sadly true. A check that could be life-saving.
“In 2006, I was watching a TV programme that said Black men were at higher risk of prostate cancer. Although I didn’t have any symptoms, I had a feeling that something wasn’t right. My diagnosis changed my perspective on life, and I re-evaluated what was important to me. After my surgery, I decided to go into athletic training and help young people who might not have had the chance to fulfil their potential otherwise. If you’re worried about cancer, contact your GP practice. It’s probably nothing serious but even if it is, getting your diagnosis earlier can give you more treatment options and ultimately, a better chance of success”.
Phil Kissi, prostate cancer survivor.
The Future
The day hasn’t come yet when we can say that every form of cancer can be cured but medical advancements have led to so many people being able to ring the bell after five years and say that they are cancer-free. There is never a guarantee that the cancer will come back but it releases the patient from this dark place and sees the bright lights of life and living a normal life. There are so many marvellous doctors, nurses and surgeons in the NHS and I praise their dedication and tireless work in often difficult circumstances. Cancer can be beaten and their work is living proof of this.
