North Central London Cancer Alliance has collaborated with healthcare professionals at the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Whittington Health NHS Trust and patients to produce videos designed to help people with cancer before, during and after their treatment.
A key focus of both the recent National Cancer Plan and 10 Year Health Plan for England is to deliver a more personalised approach to cancer care. This includes supporting wider physical, emotional and practical needs, helping people stay in or return to employment, and enabling people to live well with and beyond cancer.
Preparing for cancer treatment
The PREPARE video, based on cancer education sessions offered by the Royal Free London, provides practical information and advice to support a patient’s wellbeing. Topics include emotional wellbeing and advice on nutrition, physical activity and information about common side effects from treatments. The video also provides details of community resources available to support people affected by cancer.
PREPARE is mainly delivered as a regular in person session at the Royal Free London for people with cancer. The video format provides an additional flexible and accessible way for patients to engage from home.
End of breast cancer treatment
Three videos have been created to support people who have received treatment for breast cancer. They provide information to help individuals identify and manage common late effects they may experience – menopause, lymphoedema or osteoporosis. As well as healthcare professionals, each video features Carolyn Garritt (pictured above) who was treated for breast cancer and lives in Camden.
She said: “I was really pleased to be asked to contribute to the videos – they were on subjects that are important to me and related to issues that have affected me since my diagnosis. I think it’s very common for people to suffer in silence with symptoms and side effects of cancer treatment. After treatment everyone around you is just willing you to be ok, even if you really don’t feel it. I was happy to be involved in this work that might help to overcome some of that sense of isolation.”
Sharon Cavanagh, Programme Lead for Personalised Cancer Care at North Central London Cancer Alliance, said: “We recognise how overwhelming a cancer diagnosis and treatment can be, not only for patients but for their loved ones as well. These resources aim to give people access to information that matters to them, at a time that suits them, with the option to return to it whenever needed. By offering these videos as part of our approach to delivering personalised care, we are working towards helping patients and their families feel better informed and supported, improving their experience of care and quality of life.”
More information on Personalised Cancer Care can be found at: Personalised Cancer Care – North Central London Cancer Alliance