Event for sarcoma patients a success

A health and wellbeing event for cancer patients, organised by the Sarcoma and Living with and Beyond Cancer Team at Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, was deemed a “resounding success”.

The event, which was held in the Mustard Tree Macmillan Support Centre on Saturday 22 November, was attended by 43 patients and their relatives.

Liz Ridgway, the Sarcoma Specialist Nurse, who presented the event said: “The aim of the day was to bring together a group of people who have been affected by sarcoma. It was a great opportunity for patients to chat with others who are affected by this rare form of cancer. Image of Mr Morris speaking

“Various speakers from the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) presented talks on the day. Mr Rob Morris, Sarcoma Surgeon, who unfortunately has left the Trust, undertook a presentation and also used this opportunity to say ‘Good-bye’ to his patients. Colonel Chris Taylor, Sarcoma Surgeon, was introduced to the group and will be leading the MDT, henceforth. Other speakers included, Slafka Scragg, from the

Living with and Beyond Cancer Team, Beth from Merlin Fitness who spoke on the benefits of keeping active whilst Heidi Hallam from Cancer Lifeline explained the services offered at their cancer retreat.

“The lunch for the event was kindly sponsored by Macmillan Cancer Support and organised by Renate Scheffer, Macmillan Project Assistant.”

One of the patients who attend the event, said: “Each session was really beneficial. We were beginning to feel isolated and out of the loop. Today was a terrific boost to both of us.”

Another patient, added: “The sarcoma presentation was most informative and highlighted the need for rapid detection and prompt treatment and greater awareness by GPs.”

Sarcomas are rare cancers that develop in the muscle, bone, nerves, cartilage, tendons, blood vessels and the fatty fibrous tissue. They also appear in the stomach and intestines as well as behind the abdomen (retroperitoneal sarcomas and the female reproductive system (gynae sarcomas).

Around 3,800 new cases of sarcoma are diagnosed each year in the UK which comprises approximately 1% of all cancer diagnosis.