Patient forum to focus on cancer diagnosis experience

People with lived experience of cancer are being invited to participate in a Cancer Diagnosis Patient Forum in Ipswich on February 9^th.

This event is the second in a series of five cancer-focused sessions across Suffolk and north east Essex which will cover the whole cancer journey.

The session will specifically centre on cancer diagnosis – giving people the opportunity to share their personal experience of receiving a cancer diagnosis and give feedback on how services could be improved, allow family members and carers to meet with others who have shared similar experiences, and enable conversations with local health professionals to support better cancer diagnosis for everyone.

Prevalence of cancer across Suffolk and north east Essex was recorded as being high than the regional average.

In addition to the opportunity for discussion and feedback, those attending will be to learn more about the cancer services that are currently on offer, including the pre-diagnosis service which can offer extra practical support to those receiving a cancer diagnosis, the newly introduced GP practice-based community cancer nurses whose focus is on supporting cancer patients and the dedicated mental wellbeing support on offer.

Naomi Ashton, Cancer Care Facilitator, NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board, which is organising the event said: “It’s estimated that across the country every two minutes someone is diagnosed with cancer. The impact of cancer is incredibly far-reaching with many of us having a relative, friend or neighbour who has lived with or is living with the condition.

“For someone receiving a confirmed cancer diagnosis it represents the beginning of a challenging period in their life. For their family and friends, it too can mean big change.

“The purpose of this event is to give people the chance to share how their experiences of receiving a diagnosis positively or negatively impacted their cancer journey and what can be done differently to make sure people are best supported and informed.”

The Cancer Diagnosis Patient Forum will take place in The Wolsey Room, Holiday Inn, London Road, Ipswich IP2 0UA on Thursday February 9^th from 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. Anyone wishing to attend should email naomi.ashton@suffolk.nhs.uk