There has been a significant rise in the most common types of cancer across South and Mid Yorkshire, Bassetlaw and North Derbyshire in the past year. There were 450 new cases of breast, bowel and prostate cancer diagnosed last year, compared with the previous year according to Macmillan Cancer Support and Commissioners Working Together.
Over 50% of people diagnosed with cancer today will survive; together with this 3% increase in the number of people being diagnosed it is clear that we will need to do things differently to meet the needs of people living with and beyond cancer.
Many people who have had cancer have unmet emotional needs, particularly at the end of treatment, whilst others are struggling with the consequences of treatment .
Dot Kesterton who lives in Sheffield was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2014 and said:
“A generation ago people didn’t talk about cancer; thankfully we’re much more open now. In my view it’s no longer a question of if it’s when.
“I carry on as normal but there are moments of anxiety about what caused the cancer, will it come back?”
This increase in the most common types of cancer is being highlighted to coincide with the launch of The Macmillan Living With And Beyond Cancer Programme.
Macmillan, working in partnership with the eight Clinical Commissioning Groups, wants to ensure that anyone diagnosed with breast, bowel or prostate cancer receives personalised care and information, with support closer to where they need it. Macmillan is investing £6 million over five years.
Richard Metcalfe, Macmillan Programme Lead said:
“Cancer doesn’t suddenly stop when treatment does and we need to provide people with high quality care where and when they need it.
“It’s incredible that in just one year we’ve seen such a huge jump in cancer diagnoses across the region. This is only going to continue to increase.
“The only way we can provide the services we know people need is by changing the way care is planned, funded and delivered.”
Over 100 people including people affected by cancer and health professionals attended the launch of the Macmillan Living With And Beyond Cancer Programme in Barnsley on Tuesday 19 April.
Those attending listened to the views of people affected by cancer from across the region and were asked to submit their personal pledge to the programme. You can follow events from the launch on Twitter using #LivingWithAndBeyond, a summary of the launch can also be found on Storify.
What is good cancer care and support – the views of people affected by cancer (YouTube)