Supporting cancer patients in Ballymoney

The event provided information about how to cope with the effects of cancer and its treatment. There were a series of short talks from health professionals, covering late effects of treatment, dietary advice, taking exercise, managing fatigue and the emotional impact of cancer on the person and their family.

In addition Isabel Kerr from Ballymoney spoke as a patient representative, giving the perspective from someone who has come through the treatment process and who is now enjoying new challenges in her life!

Over the break time there was the opportunity to speak to the health professionals and to a wide range of charities and other trust staff, all offering support to cancer patients.

Dr Moyra Mills, who organised the event, stated: “With improvements in cancer detection and treatment increasing numbers of people are either cured or living much longer with cancer and consequently we have found their needs are changing. In response to this we are currently working on a programme to transform cancer follow-up to ensure services are more responsive to individual patient’s needs. A key component of this is to ensure people are well informed about the support services available to them. These events assist us to do this.”

More information about services available for people affected by cancer in Northern Ireland can be found at www.survivorship.cancerni.net. The website provides information on a range of services both clinical and non clinical, which can help with their various needs, be they physical, emotional, social or financial. Users can easily search for local services by inputting their own postcode and a key word or by looking for services in the Northern Trust area.

If you would like to find out about future Health and Wellbeing events in the Northern Trust please contact Dr Moyra Mills, Macmillan Transforming Cancer Follow-Up Manager on 07778637808 or by emailing [email protected]

Alternatively if you would like to inform how future services for those living with a cancer diagnosis, and their families, may be improved or reshaped please contact Nuala Mallon, Macmillan Information and Support Manager on 07795845435 or by emailing: [email protected]