Tag: cancer

Walk the Walk funds vital mental health support for those affected by cancer in Scotland

Cancer Support Scotland is the latest charity working on the frontline to be awarded an Emergency Grant by breast cancer charity Walk the Walk.

Nina Barough, Walk the Walk’s Founder and Chief Executive, was so concerned about the effect COVID-19 was having on the lives of those affected by cancer, she felt Walk the Walk really had to do something to help.

The £20,000 grant from Walk the Walk will help Cancer Support Scotland sustain the equivalent of two full time counsellors and their Lead Therapist for nearly three full months. In that time, those roles alone will be able to offer at least 540 mental wellbeing support sessions to people who are struggling to cope with cancer.

The pandemic has had a devastating effect on the lives of those affected by cancer and their families. Many are shielding, isolated, have money worries, treatments postponed, all resulting in anxiety. Loneliness is another key issue and it is more crucial than ever that the mental wellbeing support provided by Cancer Support Scotland is maintained at its current level over the coming months.

From the start of the pandemic, Cancer Support Scotland have been contacting thousands of vulnerable people by phone, providing a lifeline. As the months passed, the need for support services has increased, but at the same time like other charities, their fundraising has almost ceased.

With their headquarters in Glasgow currently closed, Cancer Support Scotland are now offering digital counselling and virtual stress management courses. This is addition to a wellbeing call service and a wide range of online self-care tools to help people cope with cancer today and in the future.

Maureen Thompson was diagnosed with lung cancer in March and had lifesaving surgery four weeks later as Scotland was in lockdown due to Covid-19. She accessed Cancer Support Scotland’s counselling service by telephone in the months after surgery.

Maureen said: “I don’t think I would have got through this without their help, I was so worried about not coming through it. I was in such a low mood when I got in touch with Cancer Support Scotland but thanks to my Counsellor Natalie, I got through my darkest days.

“Without them I wouldn’t have got where I am today. I could tell them anything that I was feeling. I am eternally grateful to Natalie for her help. Thank you to all of you.”

Nina Barough CBE, Founder and Chief Executive of Walk the Walk, said: “During these very uncertain and worrying times, the team at Cancer Support Scotland have provided a vital lifeline for those affected by cancer and their families.

“The services offered by this wonderful charity are supporting the emotional wellbeing for those with cancer, and in these times of crisis, are needed more than ever.

“Walk the Walk is delighted that this Emergency Grant will enable Cancer Support Scotland to meet the growing demand for their online services, and hope that in the not too distant future, when their centre can safely open again, this online resource will continue to offer a vital service to those that need it.”

Rob Murray, CEO Cancer Support Scotland said: “I could not be prouder of the hard work and dedication the Wellbeing Team at Cancer Support Scotland have shown throughout this pandemic.

“It has been a challenging and difficult time but we know we have been able to offer a critical service to those affected by cancer across Scotland. It is with huge thanks to Walk the Walk for gifting us an Emergency Grant that we will be able to continue supporting people across Scotland whenever they need us.”

CANCER: ‘If you’re worried – see your GP and get checked out’

Four thousand fewer pathologically confirmed cancer diagnoses in March – June 2020 compared to 2019

As part of the ongoing response to COVID-19, Public Health Scotland provides an overview of changes in health and use of healthcare services during the pandemic.

This week, data on the numbers of people who have had a diagnosis of cancer confirmed using a sample of tissue (a pathologically confirmed cancer) between 1 January and 21 June 2020, compared with how many there were in the same period in 2019 are included in our analysis for the first time. 

This information is provided to help inform the ongoing response to COVID-19 and is a subset of the fuller information on cancer incidence in 2020, which is due to be published by the Scottish Cancer Registry in 2022.

The data show that between January and March 2020, the number of people who had a pathological diagnosis of cancer was similar to the number in the same period in 2019. 

By the week ending 21 June 2020, around 4,000 fewer people in Scotland had a pathologically confirmed cancer diagnosis than would have been expected.

Between March and June 2020, numbers fell by about 40% of those in 2019. In total, therefore, between January and the end of June 2020, the overall number of patients diagnosed was down by 19% on 2019 figures in the same period. 

The fall in numbers is unlikely to be due to a reduced occurrence of cancer, and is likely to reflect a combination of: patients with possible cancer symptoms not seeking out help from their GP (as they may be worried about catching COVID-19); changes to the national screening programmes in the first few months of the pandemic; or reductions in the availability of diagnostic services and treatment during this period.

It is clear that COVID-19 has caused substantial direct and indirect harm to the health of the people of Scotland.  As we continue to provide guidance on and evidence for actions to stop the spread of the virus we will also monitor the wider impact it has in our communities.

PHS will do this so that, together with partners in Government, local Government and in Health Boards across Scotland, we can work to protect the health of all of Scotland’s people.

Professor David Morrison, Director of the Scottish Cancer Registry at Public Health Scotland said: “Understanding the impact of the pandemic on health and healthcare services is a crucial part of our efforts to respond to and recover from it.

“As part of the Scottish Cancer Registry’s response we wanted to help understand how cancer diagnoses and cancer services have been affected. The reduction in cancer diagnoses this year gives us a sense of the scale of the impact of COVID-19 on all stages of the journey from first seeking help to recovering from treatment.   

“If you’re worried you might have cancer – see your GP and get checked out. It’s probably not cancer – but if it is, the sooner you’re diagnosed, the better your chances of successful treatment.”

To see the further information on the wider impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on people’s health, and their use of healthcare services, including the data on cancer outlined above, please visit our COVID-19 wider impacts on the health care system web pages.

For information on screening, please visit NHS Inform.

Edinburgh cancer survivor launches charity Movember auction with John Pye

SCOTTISH student Stewart Morgan has launched an online charity event, in partnership with Bo’ness-based online auction house John Pye Auctions, to support Movember following his cancer diagnosis.

Stewart, 22, from Edinburgh, was diagnosed with testicular cancer just four days after his 21st birthday. However, since being given the ‘all clear’ he is campaigning to not only raise money but also to educate high school boys on the genetic disease and to speak up if they think something is wrong.

The auction – which is now live until 12 noon on Monday 30 November – has an incredible range of items available. There are currently 28 lots up for grabs – with more due to be added – all generously donated by local businesses and individuals, including sporting experiences, luxury overnight breaks and selfcare products.

Highlights include: 

  • Gleneagles 4 Ball on your personal choice of world-renowned courses
  • Macallan 18-year Double Cask
  • Overnight stay and afternoon tea at the Pine Trees Hotel, Pitlochry

Stewart said: “This is my first charity auction, so I’m thrilled that John Pye decided to support my cause. As a fit and healthy young guy, being diagnosed with testicular cancer came as a huge shock – I always thought I was invincible.

“From the initial shock of finding out I had cancer, to telling my family and friends, countless appointments and finally undergoing surgery in October 2019, it was a terrifying experience.

“However, since becoming cancer free I’ve tried to turn it into something positive. I’m constantly encouraging people to just check – even once a month in the shower, look out for any pain, swelling, firmness or lumps and call your GP if you are unsure. I was amazed at the number of guys, of all ages, who had no idea what symptoms to look out for!

“This happens to brothers, dads, sons, grandads, friends, uncles, cousins and more. If you notice something you aren’t sure about; ASK!”

All funds raised will be added to Stewart’s Movember fundraising total in addition to his work educating local high schools and completing a number of outrageous challenges. He has also organized a number of bus adverts in collaboration with his university Heriot-Watt.

Adam Pye, managing director at John Pye Auctions, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to help Stewart raise money for Movember. It’s such a worthy cause and after hearing about his personal experience we were more than happy to offer our assistance.

“We hope the money raised will go a long way in supporting testicular cancer, but more importantly we hope this campaign encourages men of all ages to be more aware of the symptoms and to get checked out if something doesn’t seem right.”

Since January this year, John Pye Auctions has helped to raise more than £70,000 through its online charity auctions and has smashed its aim of raising £50,000 for the entire year. 

The impressive total has been donated following each auction to a wide range of charities across the UK, each with the purpose of making a difference to the local community.

To see the full auction list and place a bid, please visit:

https://www.johnpyeauctions.co.uk/lot_list.asp?saleid=9158&siteid=1

To find out more about John Pye Auctions and the comprehensive services it offers please visit: www.johnpye.co.uk or join the conversation on Twitter @John_Pye.

Building for the future: £20m investment in Western General Hospital

A £20.6 million investment from the Scottish Government has been granted to improve cancer care services for patients at the Western General Hospital.

It will fund a range of construction and refurbishment projects to Oncology wards, services and facilities at the hospital. This includes building two new Linear Accelerator (LINAC) bunkers to house specialist cancer treatment machines, improvements to patient accommodation increasing the number of ensuite single rooms and relocating the Cancer Assessment Unit.

The project forms part of a wider masterplan for the Western General Hospital to transform services, create more space, comfort and privacy and provide access to modern facilities and cutting-edge equipment. 

Jim Crombie, Deputy Chief Executive of NHS Lothian, said: “This Scottish Government funding marks a key milestone in an ambitious programme of investment to ensure the Western General hospital continues to provide high quality treatment and services into the future.

“It will greatly enhance the hospital as a centre of excellence and help us work towards our longer-term vision of opening a new Regional Specialist Cancer Centre.”

Additional projects currently being funded by other capital investments at the Western General include the modernisation of Haematology inpatient services and construction of a new outpatient facility, funded by an exceptional and incredibly generous charitable donation of circa £12 million.

A £1 million investment will create new facilities to expand the Clinical Trials footprint and a £6.2 million Renal Dialysis facility is also being constructed which will offer improved clinical areas and better clinical team facilities.

These projects are supported by a programme of ongoing infrastructure improvements and upgrades in and around the hospital to enable the construction and refurbishment works.

Chris Stirling, Site Director at the Western General Hospital added: “This work will greatly enhance the care, services and environment at the Western General. We are committed to the long-term future of the Western General and ensuring we provide staff and patients with the clinical space and services they deserve. 

“We are grateful to everyone who has supported the projects so far and to our neighbours and the community for their patience and understanding whilst work progresses.”

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “The Scottish Government is pleased to be supporting improved cancer facilities at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh. It is a mark of improved population health that more of us are living longer overall, however this also means the incidence of cancer is rising.

“Improved treatments also mean more of us live longer with cancer as a chronic condition. It is therefore vital our NHS facilities keep pace with demand and offer the best environment possible for people with cancer and those who treat and care for them.”

Work across the projects is expected to be completed over the next three years, finishing in 2022.

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs said: “This much needed investment at the Western General Hospital is welcome news and the improvement of cancer care service is crucial for the South East of Scotland.

“Cancer care has been significantly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and getting services fully resumed is critical for patients who are diagnosed with cancer.

“Ultimately a new Cancer centre, based at the Western General, will be needed going forward. This funding, which I have previously called for, will significantly improve cancer services until the new centre is built.

“I have called on SNP Ministers to update Parliament on plans for a new build Edinburgh Cancer Centre.”

Letters: Creating a step change in the health of the nation

Scottish charities call to cut deaths from our biggest killers

Dear Editor,

Heart disease, cancer, stroke, chronic lung disease and diabetes are responsible for around two thirds of all deaths in Scotland – around 39,000 every year – and are among the world’s biggest killers. And yet sadly deaths from these conditions are often preventable. The burden of these diseases on families and on our society cannot be underestimated.

This week, as a global campaign takes place raising awareness of the impact of these non-communicable diseases (NCDs), we have come together – representing ten of Scotland’s leading health charities – to call for action.

We believe many of these deaths and lost healthy years of life are preventable through addressing modifiable and societal risk factors. Official statistics estimate that each year around 14,000 deaths in Scotland could be prevented through public health interventions.

As a collective, we have set out a series of priorities to tackle three of the biggest risk factors that affect people today – tobacco use, alcohol consumption and unhealthy diets – to improve the health of everyone in Scotland.

Evidence shows the environment around us heavily influences whether we smoke, the amount of alcohol we drink and what we eat. The visibility of products on our high streets and the way they are marketed all contribute to Scotland having one of the lowest healthy life expectancies in Western Europe.

This is particularly true in our most deprived communities where levels of smoking, harmful alcohol use and overweight and obesity are often at their highest. Research shows us that this is in part due to the higher presence of outlets in these areas selling alcohol, tobacco and unhealthy food and drink. We must act now to ensure that the healthy choice is an easy choice for everyone in Scotland.

Covid-19 has also provided a wake-up call on these issues. We are becoming aware of possible links between smoking, alcohol intake and obesity on the severity of Covid-19 infections, highlighting the need to take action now more than ever as we continue to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic.

Scotland has been a pioneer in public health. It was the first country in the UK to ban smoking in enclosed public spaces and the first in the world to introduce a minimum unit price for alcohol.

In this week of awareness, we are calling on all political parties to place the prevention of Scotland’s biggest killers as a priority and to give a strong commitment, ahead of next year’s Scottish Parliamentary elections, to work with us to create a step change in the health of the nation.

Yours sincerely,

Alison Douglas, Chief Executive, Alcohol Focus Scotland
Shelia Duffy, Chief Executive, ASH Scotland
Lorraine Tulloch, Programme Lead, Obesity Action Scotland
Lindsay Paterson, Interim Director, SHAAP
Joseph Carter, Head of the Devolved Nations, Asthma UK and the British Lung Foundation
Dr Charmaine Griffiths, Chief Executive, British Heart Foundation
Michelle Mitchell OBE, Chief Executive, Cancer Research UK
Andrea Cail, Scotland Director, Stroke Association
Angela Mitchell, National Director, Diabetes Scotland

New Zealand women complete the Dundee Virtual Kilt Walk while UK sleeps

While Scotland slept on Thursday night, two women finished the virtual Dundee Kiltwalk almost as far from the city as it is possible to get.

Jane Ludemann and her mother Elspeth walked up Signal Hill in Dunedin, New Zealand, three times. They began at 9:30am on Friday the 3rd of July New Zealand time, which is 10:30pm on Thursday GMT.

Signal Hill is 393 metres (1289 feet) high.

They chose this  hill because the monument at its summit is hewn from the rock on which Edinburgh Castle stands and they completed the Kiltwalk to raise money for research into low grade serous ovarian carcinoma at the University of Edinburgh.

When Jane was diagnosed with this rare form of cancer at the age of 32, three years ago, she discovered that there was very little research on the disease and no way to fund research into it anywhere in the world.

That spurred her to establish Cure Our Ovarian Cancer, a charitable trust dedicated to increasing awareness of LGSOC, supporting women with the disease and raising funds for research into better treatments and an eventual cure.

The University of Edinburgh is their UK charity partner. Cure Our Ovarian Cancer hopes to part fund a researcher at the University of Edinburgh to develop better laboratory models of the cancer to help find new treatments.

Since 2019 they’ve raised over £10,000 of their £25,000 target.

“University of Edinburgh’s Professor Charlie Gourley has provided national leadership of low-grade serous clinical trials in the UK.  Furthermore the work of his research team is world renowned,” Jane said.

“Historically low-grade serous ovarian cancer has been overlooked. It disproportionately affects young women and the overall survival rates are really poor. It’s really confronting to stare death in the face at such a young age. If I don’t survive, the thing I want most in the world is to know this won’t happen to someone else. Knowing that Professor Gourley is on the other side of the world, working hard to improve survival, makes life that bit easier”, says Jane. 

Elspeth said that when Jane was diagnosed she and her husband Grant said they would do anything they could to help her: “I didn’t think that would entail climbing a steep hill three times, but thankfully the Kiltwalk is about distance not speed.”

The rock at the top of the hill isn’t the only link between the Ludemann’s Kiltwalk and Scotland. Elspeth’s father, Charles Sime, was born in Dundee and lived there until he immigrated to New Zealand in his 20s.

“Although Dad ended up living in New Zealand longer than he lived in Scotland, he retained his accent and took great pride in wearing his kilt,” Elspeth said.

“He would be very sad that his granddaughter has cancer but so proud of what she is doing to raise awareness and funds. He loved tramping and would be tickled pink that we are doing the Kiltwalk with its link to him home town.”

Six hours and 30 000 steps later the pair finished their walk. Jane said: “I don’t think we’ll win any prizes for speed but we put in a lot of effort. I’m looking forward to an early night.

“I’m thrilled that we have been able to support the University of Edinburgh’s cancer research today, from the other side of the world.”

To make a donation to Jane’s efforts go to: https://dundeekiltwalk2020.everydayhero.com/uk/jane-3

Local children’s cancer charities go gold with Amazon

The Amazon Customer Service Centre in Edinburgh raised awareness for Childhood Cancer Awareness in September with a special event to highlight the innovative work being done by hospitals and charities to support children and families across Scotland. Continue reading Local children’s cancer charities go gold with Amazon

Blooming Great (1): Miles Briggs supports Marie Curie’s Blooming Great Tea Party

Lothian MSP Miles Briggs is joining Marie Curie to throw a Blooming Great Tea Party and raise money to support people living with a terminal illness and their loved ones.  Continue reading Blooming Great (1): Miles Briggs supports Marie Curie’s Blooming Great Tea Party