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People affected by cancer

People with life-limiting illnesses

The range and implications of long term illness are very variable. In some cases, with certain limitations, people are able to continue with relatively normal lives. In other cases, the nature of the illness is such that day-to-day living takes considerable energy, and drains personal reserves. As a result, the extent to which people can take an active part in community involvement will vary greatly and, for some, attendance at meetings will not be appropriate. To ensure they can also contribute their views on the wide range of public serves, it would be helpful to look at the other ways of learning people's views.

There are a number of life-limiting illnesses, and across the District, there are support organisations for both individuals and carers. Three conditions are briefly outlines below, and the information points mentioned will also be able to advise on contact details for other organisations.

People Living with Cancer

• The word ‘Cancer’ still has an association with death in many people’s view. This greatly influences the way in which society looks upon this group of people.
• The reality is that, yes of course some people do die through having cancer, but with the increasing developments in cancer research and better screening and diagnosis techniques, people are living much longer with cancer and some are being cured altogether.
• However, living and coping with cancer for patients, carers and family members can be very difficult and there are many barriers which prevent these people from participating fully in their local communities and in society as a whole.
• It is important that people who are affected by cancer are able to make choices and have the opportunity to engage with the community as equals.
• 1 in 3 people will at some point in their lives , develop cancer, so the need for education and awareness around cancer is clearly evident. Policy makers must be made aware of the issues for people affected by cancer both locally and nationally.
• There is a great need to change the way in which society perceives the word ‘Cancer’. Mention ‘CANCER’ and society doesn't’t know how to cope with it. People in the local community, your family and even your friends sometimes, don’t talk to you about it, they avoid the subject, but it’s not their fault, they are quite often frightened too. We need to get over this lack of understanding, and the negative perception of the word ‘Cancer’.

CoI Plan & Links to Organisations that may have further data on People affected by cancer:

Click on the following link for the People Living with Cancer framework plan 2006.