Support group for bowel cancer patients and their families marks tenth anniversary having helped hundreds

A support group for bowel cancer patients and survivors in Worcestershire has celebrated a decade of helping hundreds of patients and their families.

The Worcestershire Bowel Cancer Support Group was set up by the Colorectal Clinical Nurse Specialist team at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust in 2016. The group holds meetings four times a year and is open to all colorectal cancer patients at Worcestershire’s hospitals.

The group held its latest meeting last week with 75 members in attendance to mark the tenth anniversary. Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK, with around 44,000 people diagnosed every year.

The Worcestershire support group usually gets up to 80 attendees each time including both current and former cancer patients as well as their loved ones. Specialist speakers attend the group meetings to provide expert information on topics like finances, dealing with the emotions of a diagnosis, as well as practical support to help patients going through treatment.

When Gail Basford was unexpectedly diagnosed with bowel cancer she felt very emotional and was unable to think about the future.

“The NHS gave me the best care and things moved forward very quickly, but after a few months I was still an emotional mess. My husband and daughter were both fantastic but I found it all so overwhelming and didn’t want to worry them with how I really felt. Then I was invited to the support group by my fantastic colorectal nurse Nikki. I was very nervous about going but once I was there, meeting people in a similar situation and knowing that you are not going mad and that other people feel the same was amazing,” described Gail.

“This group changed my life. I became more confident; it began to not be on my mind 24/7 and I realised that there is life after cancer. I am now five years on and this group has enabled me to meet patients over a cup of tea who are going through the same emotions I did and to be able to say it does get better and look at me now. No more am I afraid of the future but just go for it. This group gave me confidence and I am so grateful to all the nurses who are involved and would like to thank every one of them and long may the group continue. I will be forever grateful,” said Gail.

As many as one in 17 men and one in 20 women will be diagnosed with bowel cancer during their lifetime. More than nine out of ten new cases are diagnosed in people over the age of 50, but bowel cancer can affect anyone of any age.

After Denise Nokes was told she had Stage 3 bowel cancer she found the support group a way to deal with the enormous shock of a diagnosis.

“The support group was and is very important as you realise you are not alone. Talking to other fellow sufferers and their carers at the meetings introduced us the complimentary services available to both patients and carers. We have met and made friends at these meetings and heard from interesting and informative guest speakers,” explained Denise.

Colorectal Clinical Nurse Specialist, Louise Gilbert said: “I’m proud to have helped set up the support group ten years ago alongside Bernice Kent, Cassie Dovey, and Nikki Shelton to provide our patients with a space where they and their families can connect with others who are going through or have experienced similar situations. The group runs thanks to our whole Clinical Nurse Specialist team helping offer patients the chance to explore different support in a safe and non-judgemental environment.

“One of the most common reflections shared by attendees is that they had not realised how many others are facing similar challenges. The group helps reduce feelings of isolation and fosters a sense of shared understanding. Many meaningful friendships have been formed through the support group, with members continuing to meet and support one another outside the sessions on a regular basis.”

Pam found the support group helpful for understanding her diagnosis and how to deal with the challenges it brings.

“The interaction at the meetings with the others who are also going through the same situation is very helpful and gives a great insight into how they have dealt with any problems they may have had. The meetings really give you a sense and feeling that you are not on your own going through your treatment and an extra boost of confidence when going through your recovery period,” she said.

“In a nutshell the support group is an essential part of the recovery process, helps keep up your morale and gives us all hope for the future,” added Pam.

The support group was set up following a grant from Macmillan Cancer Support in 2016 and has since been funded by Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity through donations to their specialist fund in support of the group.

The hospital Colorectal Clinical Nurse Specialist team and attendees regularly hold fundraising events and activities to keep the group running.

If you’re interested in supporting the group to raise funds, you can visit: https://wahcharity.org/how-you-can-donate

Or if you’d like to find out more information about the Worcestershire Bowel Cancer Support Group, you can call 01905 760 643 or email: wah-tr.WBCSG@nhs.net