Forum tells West Suffolk cancer patients they are not alone
You are not alone. That is the message to people who have or are undergoing treatment for cancer in and around Bury St Edmunds.
It was one of the key points made during the annual West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (WSFT) cancer forum, which aims to support cancer patients by giving them an opportunity to reflect on their treatments and improve the experience for others in the future.
The event, attended by about 120 people, was held at the University Professional Development Centre based on Western Way.
After a talk by Stewart Chapman, chair of the West Suffolk cancer patient forum, Karen McKinnon, WSFT lead cancer nurse, discussed current innovations including targeted lung cancer checks, colon cameras and personalised treatment via genetic profiling.
Other speakers included Angela Jiggins, a WSFT oncology physiotherapist who is sponsored by Macmillan Cancer Support, and Anna Clayton from Bury Physio who gave advice about exercise and fitness.
Stewart Chapman had a powerful message for the people of Bury and beyond. He said: “It [this event] is all about making positive change for cancer patients. My message is that on the cancer journey, you are not alone. And the second message is that it is not a sign of weakness to ask for help. In fact, I would go as far as saying it is a sign of strength.
“The Princess of Wales recently said: ‘to everyone facing this disease, please do not lose faith or hope – you are not alone’.”
He added: “There is a need to be positive, it’s what I can do, not what I can’t do, and there is help there for people.”
Karen McKinnon said: “It’s important to get feedback from our cancer patients and for us to work with them and make the experience better and improve our services. We had a number of speakers, including a talk from a physio who did a dancing exercise. We also had a marketplace with exhibitors, giving patients a chance to chat and ask questions.”
My WiSH Charity from WSFT attended the event and funded the catering for the day. Exhibitors included Sophie’s Wish, other charities, services from WSFT and Boots.
Lisa Kidd is the Bury St Edmunds Boots No 7 brand business manager. Lisa said: “We are in partnership with Macmillan, and all No 7 workers are Macmillan-trained. Today we showcased our support for any cancer patients that are linked with Macmillan. If we can help in any way and help people through their journey, that is what we are about as a company. I think the event is amazing.”
Linda Tennant is an administrator for the business development and commercial training department – working for Eastern Education Group. Linda said: “The cancer forum event does so many great things that bring people together and it’s a brilliant thing to do.
“I think the college is an integral part of the community and we are honoured to help with events like this. We gave up our time and we are more than willing to help this group. It’s important to let people know that we do care about them and our community, and it was a privilege to be involved in this. I’d like to thank my colleague Jacqui Holland-Jones for all her support with this event.”