BREAST cancer survivor Steve McAllister is helping to drive awareness of crucial cancer information services for patients and their loved ones in Cardiff.
Every day, around 50 people are diagnosed with cancer in Wales*. The campaign, which is running for the first time in Wales, is designed to help people find answers at any stage of their cancer journey, from understanding symptoms to coping after treatment.
Cancer Research UK offers a range of expert patient information services which include: a helpline, run by cancer nurses, where people can discuss any aspect of cancer, a ‘Cancer Chat’ forum where people can share their experiences of cancer and a unique clinical trials database where patients can search for information about local cancer trials.
The initiative is backed by breast cancer survivor, Steve McAllister, 63, from Pontprennau in Cardiff who features in one of the campaign posters.
These will be displayed on bus stops and billboards and will be used within Cardiff University Hospital and Velindre Cancer Centre.
Steve was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010. After noticing pain around his left nipple he went to his GP before going off on holiday. He was sent for tests and was then diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer and underwent a full mastectomy which left a 10 inch scar across his chest.
He said: “I know from personal experience just how daunting a cancer diagnosis can be. You might have a hundred different questions and not know where to go or who to ask. It can be completely overwhelming.
“When I was first diagnosed I couldn’t find much information about male breast cancer. But now, thanks to Cancer Research UK’s online and telephone services, people in my position can access a wealth of information from the privacy of their own homes.
“Being able to easily access accurate information you can trust can make a huge difference, especially when everything feels beyond your control.
“I’m really proud to back this campaign because I feel it’s vital to help people in Wales find crucial information about cancer, at a time when they need it most.”
Alison Birkett, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Wales, said: “This is the first time we have run an awareness campaign like this in Cardiff, and we’re very grateful to Steve for his support.
“As our adverts highlight, our expertise in research means we can help more people like Steve and his family make sense of cancer.
“Cancer Research UK’s information services are developed specifically with patients and relatives in mind. Our information is regularly updated and is designed to be easy to read and understand.
“We would encourage anyone with questions or concerns about cancer to visit our website and find out more or pick up the phone to talk confidentially to one of our cancer nurses.”
For more information visit cruk.org.uk/aboutcancer or call Cancer Research UK’s freephone cancer information nurse helpline on 0808 800 4040.
Cancer Research UK’s Patient Information Services ‘box-out’ info:
Nurse Helpline: Cancer Research UK’s specialist cancer information nurses are available to answer questions on any aspect of cancer. Call the confidential freephone helpline on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Clinical trials database: Cancer Research UK’s database of over 2,000 clinical trials can be searched by location, trial name or cancer type. The database shows more UK cancer trials than any other service and is updated daily. cruk.org.uk/trials
Cancer Chat forum: Cancer Research UK’s online community where people can find support talking to others affected by cancer. cruk.org.uk/cancerchat
Website: Cancer Research UK’s online services offer reliable, easy to understand information about all aspects of cancer. This includes different cancer types, symptoms and treatment options. cruk.org.uk/aboutcancer
