Earlier this month was “Stand Up to Cancer” day. The Cancer Research Shop in East Street put on a great event. I found myself, not for the first time, penned in with Louis and Dolly the donkeys while shoppers were serenaded by ukulele!
It was all in a good cause and raised over £2k. That is very much the public face of Cancer – and it is heartwarming to see how readily people respond.
I was also privileged to see the other side of cancer the same day. I attended that morning a meeting of the local “NET Natter” Cancer Support Group. Four types of cancers account for half of all incidents and receive the most publicity and focus. However the other half arise from many different cancers, often rare. One such is neuroendocrine tumour (NET), an umbrella term for slow-growing cancers which can form anywhere in the body but most commonly start in the digestive system.
The group is run by those who have survived NET or who are living with it – and I saw at once how incredibly helpful it is. For anyone facing up to the news we all dread it is incredibly powerful to be able to speak to those who have already been through it. The “war stories” are deeply impressive – and hopeful. John Surgenor who convened the support group two years ago had been diagnosed with NET. He was lucky – he was diagnosed after only 5 months. Despite a poor prognosis John fought back and with expert medical help came through and was keen to help others and ensure more people are aware of the symptoms.
Often NETs are missed for years: they are often only revealed during tests for other conditions such as IBS or gallstones. Some symptoms can easily be attributed to other causes, for example hot flushes experienced by women. If NET cancers are detected early, they can often be cured with surgery.
For those who would like to learn more contact The NET Patient Foundation (http://www.netpatientfoundation.org). For anyone affected locally who would like to contact the NET Natter group I would be pleased to connect you.