Coping with cancer in York

A new specialist Macmillan counsellor is helping people at York Hospital cope with the psychological impact of cancer.

Abigail Manzira, pictured, is a Specialist Macmillan Cancer Counsellor who helps people who have finished cancer treatment and are struggling to cope. 

Abigail said: “The people I see have finished their cancer treatment, which might have included chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, or all three. They might be surrounded by friends and family celebrating the end of treatment and being clear of cancer, but they won’t necessarily feel like celebrating. I see a lot of people who go through the process of regular appointments at hospital and maintain a ‘fighting spirit’, putting their emotions on hold. It’s when treatment stops that people might struggle coming to terms with what has happened. Cancer is probably the biggest psychological fight they have ever faced.”

The new counsellor role has been funded by Macmillan Cancer Support and provided in partnership with York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. Abigail is based within the Cancer Psychology Team in Psychological Medicine Services and sees patients on a one-to-one basis in hospital. Earlier this year, research by Macmillan revealed almost one in four (24%) of people living with cancer in North Yorkshire - an estimated 5,700 - are suffering from loneliness as a result of their cancer.

Abigail said: “Patients can feel incredibly isolated after they finish treatment as they’re no longer having regular hospital appointments. Many people can struggle that they’re no longer able to do what they used to do - that could be work, for example. I’m there to provide talking therapy. It’s not about trying to mask what has happened; it’s about giving people the confidence to cope and self-manage and be able to move forward with their lives.”

Patients, who are referred via their GP or nurse, typically see Abigail for fortnightly one hour sessions for up to 12 weeks, depending on how they feel. As part of Abigail’s role, she is also putting together a research document, looking further into the emotional issues people in North Yorkshire face having finished cancer treatment.

To help more people living with cancer, Macmillan relies on public donations. To find out ways you can give, call Harry Baines, Macmillan Fundraising Manager for North Yorkshire on 07473 541337 or email hbaines@macmillan.org.uk

Macmillan warns lung cancer awareness is key

Janette Hughes, a Macmillan lung cancer nurse specialist based in Middlesbrough

Macmillan Cancer Support is urging the public to be signs and symptoms aware, and play their part in fighting the UK’s most lethal cancer for lung cancer awareness month this November. 

Over 35,000 people in the UK die from lung cancer every year, but the charity says it doesn’t have to be a death sentence.

Janette Hughes, Macmillan lung cancer nurse specialist based at The James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, said: “119 people receive a diagnosis of lung cancer every day in the UK, and whilst the survival rates are poor, the important thing to remember is that if caught early enough it is treatable.

“77% of lung cancer patients have said they are unaware of the signs and symptoms, and that means many are being diagnosed too late for curative treatment. It’s really vital that more people are educated – getting people to their GP’s when symptoms occur could mean earlier diagnosis and a better prognosis.”

There are some common symptoms often displayed by patients with lung cancer. These symptoms can all be caused by other illnesses too, but if they occur for three weeks or more it’s always advisable to speak to your GP about them:

· a continuing cough, or change in a long-standing cough

· becoming breathless and wheezy

· coughing up bloodstained phlegm (sputum)

· chest or shoulder pain

· weight loss

· a chest infection that doesn’t get better

· a hoarse voice

· a dull ache or sharp pain when you cough or take a deep breath

· difficulty swallowing

· feeling extremely tired (fatigue) and lethargic

· the ends of fingers becoming larger or looking more rounded (clubbing)

· swelling of lymph nodes (glands) in the neck area

Janette added: “There is also a misconception that lung cancer only affects smokers but this isn’t the case – in fact more than one in ten cases are not linked to smoking at all. It’s important for everyone to know the facts.”

Carol Perrin from Middlesbrough remembers the shock her family felt when her mother, Joan Wanless, 74, was diagnosed with lung cancer.

Mother-of-four Joan, was found to have a tumour on her left lung having gone to see her doctor with a persistent cough. Following her diagnosis, in October 2013, she was admitted to the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough for surgery to remove part of her lung in January 2014. Ten months later, scans show she is still cancer free.

Carol, 49, said: "When mam got ill, she knew something wasn't right. She was coughing and was losing weight. The main thing to get across is that people shouldn't be frightened about going to see the doctor. If you have any doubts about your health, you should get checked out. If mam hadn't done that, she wouldn't be here today. You have got a fighting chance if lung cancer can be found early.

"Mam has had her health issues but it was a huge shock when she was diagnosed. You hear the words lung cancer and you think that's the end but it doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. They were able to treat her and the support she has had has been incredible. The best advice she had was to 'live your life', and that's exactly what she is doing."

Joan, a grandmother of eight who lives in Middlesbrough, has received emotional support from Macmillan nurses since her diagnosis, helping her come to terms with her cancer and moving on with her life.

Cancer is the toughest fight many people will ever face, and the feelings of isolation and loneliness that so many people experience make it even harder. But you don’t have to go through it alone. If you have any worries or questions about lung cancer, visit www.macmillan.org.uk or call Macmillan free on 0808 808 00 00.