World Cancer Day is marked every year on 4 February to raise awareness about cancer, encourage its prevention, and mobilise action to address the global cancer epidemic. The theme is ‘United by unique’ which places people at the centre of care and their stories at the heart of the conversation.
At ASPH we are celebrating our cancer team colleagues who provide care and support to our cancer patients and their families, and we are taking this opportunity to share some of our positive patient stories and comments.
Deputy Lead Cancer Nurse, Amanda Caddy explained: “World Cancer Day theme this year endorses what I believe the Clinical Nurse Specialist team and the Cancer Support Workers are already doing. We strive to be a visible presence with the patients here at this trust as they go through their cancer diagnostics, onwards to treatment and remain supportive beyond the completion.
We hear the patient story, their important wants and needs, and that allows us to tailor our approach to their individual needs. It’s at the heart of what we want to achieve for excellent patient care.
The whole Cancer Services team work closely and tirelessly together, but also collaboratively with other hospital departments to support the patient and family. It's a person-centred approach all the way.”
We are excited about the Macmillan Cancer Support Centre that will open at Ashford Hospital later this year which will offer free advice and support to local cancer patients and their families, through their cancer journey.
Our teams also provide a variety of activities throughout the year to support our cancer patients. On 19 March we will be hosting a Prostate Cancer Health and Wellbeing event, in Walton on Thames, for those who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, where they can hear from experts who will provide information and practical support and advice. For more information and book your place, please email Joanne at
Later in the year we will be hosting another ‘Fabulously fitted’ bra fitting evening for those who have had breast cancer. This will be held in the Jasmine Suite at Ashford Hospital. More details will be available nearer the time. Remember early detection of cancer gives you a greater chance of survival, so if you’re contacted for a cancer screening, please don’t ignore it.
Stories and comments:
I felt alone in a crowded place as I couldn’t see beyond the words “you have weeks to live” that constantly echoed in my head. I knew I had to find hope and strength from somewhere. My faith firstly, but also the superb care shown by my medical team and all those fellow patients who came to my rescue at the time of need, despite their own problems, got me through. 11 years later I live to tell the tale. Thank you to all. I truly hope the cancer support group I set up in 2018 as a result of my own journey and still goes strong inspires and helps others. We are all in this together!
Forever grateful to the little oaks team at St Peter’s for their care and dedication towards to my daughter. She rang the bell in little oaks last March.
Blood test then MRI scan. Something shown on bladder (no blood in wee or symptoms).Had investigation - Bladder cancer . Fast forward a few investigations, Chemo sessions and flexi ( camera) Low grade. Diagnosed feb 23 (2 years ago). Thank you to the great team at St Peter’s, special mention to the UDOS team and Mr Aguwal consultant. Advice: blood in wee get checked men, get checked for prostate cancer - It’s a blood test.
Meet the teams
Cancer Team at Ashford Hospital
(L-R) Back row: Joanne - Information and Support Advisor, Judith - Breast Care CNS, Silvie - Urology CNS and Faithe - Colorectal CNS.
Front row: Laura, Haematology CNS, Nav - Breast Care Support Worker, Outra - Breast care Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS).
Cancer Team at St Peter’s Hospital
(L-R) Back row: Sharon - Lung Support Worker, Claire - Upper Gastroenterology Support Worker, Fiona - Colorectal CNS, Sarah - Colorectal Support Worker, Olivia - Haematology CNS, Heidi - Upper Gastroenterology CNS, Joyce - Skin CNS and Kat - Urology CNS.
Front row: Divine - Upper Gastroenterology Faster Diagnostic Nurse, Joane - Upper Gastroenterology Faster Diagnostic Nurse, Jo - Lead Cancer Nurse for Breast, Colorectal and Gynaecology, Amanda - Deputy Lead Cancer Nurse, Lisa - Macmillan Advanced Nurse Practitioner for Lung Cancer, Fiona - Bladder CNS and Lauren - Haematology Support Worker.
Infusion Suite Team (Ashford)
Left to right standing: Nalini - Specialist Nurse, Rebecca - Specialist Nurse, Terryl - Specialist Nurse, Sumduth - Specialist Nurse, Rene - Specialist Nurse, Joanna - Chemo Coordinator, Sreekutty - Specialist Nurse
Left to right sitting: Karen - Specialist Nurse, Irene - Specialist Nurse, Czannia - Office Administrator (Receptionist), Azfa - Matron, Lin - Specialist Nurse
