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Wye Valley NHS Trust and Macmillan Cancer Support
Press release – issued 23 May 2019
2019/023
Local cancer survivor urges more men to access vital cancer support
A cancer survivor in Herefordshire is urging more men to access local cancer information and support which could help to significantly improve their physical and mental health.
In March 2016, Terry Williams from Hereford was treated for prostate cancer. In Spring 2018, Terry started to experience symptoms related to the long term effects of radiotherapy treatment. After consulting his GP and his nurse, Terry decided to seek extra information and advice from the Macmillan Information and Support Centre about the long term effects of treatment.
Terry, 71, said, ‘I have found that generally, men are apprehensive to discuss their health problems because maybe they want to uphold a macho image or because admitting a health problem is seen as a weakness. I have no problem discussing my experience and think more men should try to be the same’.
Recent data from Macmillan’s Information and Support Centre at Hereford County Hospital reveals that over the last 12 months, more than twice as many women have accessed local cancer information than men.
From April 2018 to March 2019, a total 2151 people visited the centre, of which 705 were men and 1436 were women.
The data collected by the centre also reveals that 1244 of people who accessed the service for information or support were people living with cancer.
Terry added, ‘I visited the Macmillan Information and Support Centre at the Macmillan Renton Unit and gained some very useful information on the after affects of radiotherapy. Alison Stemp, who runs the service, understood my problems and gave me excellent information, for which I am grateful’.
Alison Stemp, Macmillan Information and Support Centre Manager, said, ‘Traditionally, men have been less inclined to seek information and support but being guided towards the right information at the right time can help to relieve many of the worries that come with a cancer diagnosis and its subsequent treatments. We encourage anyone who wants more support or information to visit the Macmillan Information and Support Centre at the Macmillan Renton Unit so we can support you from the moment you are diagnosed’.
The centre provides access to cancer information, practical advice, and emotional support to anyone affected by cancer. If needed, the team will sign post onto other local services that could help people affected by cancer.
The centre displays a wide range of useful information covering subjects from awareness of signs and symptoms, to diagnosis and tests, treatment and side effects, work, benefits and a range of practical issues. All resources at the centre are provided free of charge.
The Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre at Hereford County Hospital is located in the Macmillan Renton Unit. The centre is open Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4.30pm. No appointment is needed. If you have questions about cancer, you can also contact the information and support centre in the Macmillan Renton Unit on 01432 355444, extension 5459.
To find out more about Macmillan services and support available in your area, please visit www.macmillan.org or call the Macmillan Support Line for free on 0808 808 00 00, Monday to Friday, from 9am to 8pm.
Photo
Left to right: Terry Williams and Alison Stemp, Macmillan Information and Support Centre Manager.
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Notes to editors Macmillan Cancer Support:
For more information please contact:
Sophie Beresford, Regional Communications Officer
sberesford@macmillan.org.uk
07734 384463
About Macmillan Cancer Support
We’re here to help everyone with cancer live life as fully as they can, providing physical, financial and emotional support. So whatever cancer throws your way, we’re right there with you. For information, support or just someone to talk to, call 0808 808 00 00 or visit macmillan.org.uk.
Note to editors WVT:
Wye Valley NHS Trust is a provider health services across Herefordshire and beyond. The Trust exists to improve the wellbeing, independence and health of the people we serve. We are the leading provider of health care in Herefordshire. By working closely with our partners, we can make good our promise to deliver a quality of care we would want for ourselves, our families and our friends. With an estimated annual turnover of around £180 million, we employ around 3,000 plus staff. We aim to build new relationships between our staff, patients, service users and their carers with the wider community.
For further information please contact:
Wye valley NHS Trust communications team 01432 372928 or 01432 355444 x5105.