Stories from people affected by cancer

Are mammograms reliable for diagnosing everybody? Tumours may be missed in dense breast tissue and when cancers begin far back in the breast.

When life gets turned upside down, love, family and friends will see you through. (Along with a sprinkling of prosecco!)

Andy’s story, told by his mother, shares Andy’s journey through life, facing diagnosis of cancer with determination and positivity.

My personal journey through 4th stage cancer diagnosis and treatment and its impact on my identity and family relationships.

Me and my 2.5

My sister faced a brain tumour with courage, faith and humour. Now that I face cancer and Parkinson’s I am choosing both how I wish to live, encouraging others every day, and the legacy of hope I will pass on through my painting and my smile.

My piece creatively explores the physical sensations and emotional impact of my treatment for acute myeloid leukaemia, which coincided with the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. I created it to 'bear witness' to my own experience; by describing one of the darkest, most difficult moments, and the fragile threads of hope that seemed to emerge from this lowest ebb.

This is about how an ordinary jacket triggered the diagnoses of lung cancer to hit home and changing identities.

You can find out about Chatterbox, the online support group I’m part of, here: https://chatterboxcancergroup.co.uk/

From a nurse’s point of view.

My story From Rage to Sage tells of the different feelings and emotions I had going through my cancer treatment. I hope it reassures someone just starting treatment that no matter what feelings they have that it’s OK, natural and by naming mine I have come to terms with over time.

Acknowledging the fear that exists for us all, but seeing the positive in each new day and finding ways to keep living our best life.

My story is about how secondary cancer means your life can't stop during treatment, this is your life now. I learned that you have to find a way to come to terms with the physical and emotional impact of dying while still trying to live life to the full.

Despite many hardships we face, just appreciate every day and everyone around you, especially your family.

When cancer has it’s hold, our strength will be drawn from the smallest of gestures, by the people who love us the most.

It's during the worst times of your life that you will see the true colours of the people who say they care about you...

My story relates to communication and availability of support - it is there, but you sometimes, you just have to ask! We are faced with many challenges, through the Covid and Lockdown periods, but together, and with support. we will get there

A story of challenge, belief and hope in a bid to be normal and the realisation, through cancer, that we are all normal, normal for us.

A story of challenge, belief and hope in a bid to be normal and the realisation, through cancer, that we are all normal, normal for us.