The Royal Marsden hosts UK's first support meeting for patients with Pelvic Radiation Disease
2 June 2008
Dr Jervoise Andreyev, Consultant Gastroenterologist at The Royal Marsden, and research nurse Ruth Stafferton, who see hundreds of patients suffering from the after effects of treatment for various cancers in the pelvic area, came up with the concept.
Dr Andreyev, who is the only gastroenterologist in the UK to be appointed specifically to treat pelvic radiation disease said: “Throughout the country there are scores of support groups for people with various types of cancer, but there is nothing for this particular group of patients.
“More and more we are seeing people survive cancer and live long lives, but for some the quality of that life is impacted by the harsh side effects of their cancer treatment.”
He added: “Hopefully by facilitating this meeting we can help this group of patients support each other through their cancer journey.”
The meeting heard presentations from Dr Andreyev and Ruth Stafferton, along with representatives from other support groups who gave advice on how to go about successfully setting up a new group.
Patients discussed what they felt would be helpful when coping with pelvic radiation disease. This included:
- More information about the possibility of developing pelvic radiation disease
- Education for GPs and other specialists so they can better diagnose pelvic radiation disease and offer more information and advice
- Patient-sharing information, ie tips on what can help
- Enabling patients to reach out to each other to help combat feelings of isolation
More public awareness and research into cures.
Ruth said: “I was overwhelmed with the turnout for the event. We only contacted those patients we had worked with and thought might be interested, so there is definitely high demand for a group like this.
“I hope these patients can take the information given to them today and organise a group which will help the thousands of cancer survivors throughout the country.”