World Cancer Day may have come and gone, but its message of unity and patient-focused care continues to resonate in Jersey.
With the theme United by Unique set to guide awareness efforts until 2027, this year’s edition highlighted the deeply personal nature of every cancer journey and the importance of tailored support for patients.
Throughout the week, Express heard from islanders affected by cancer, each with their own experience of diagnosis, treatment, and the challenges of navigating the healthcare system.
The week also saw islanders, cancer advocates, charities and medical experts come together to discuss the future of cancer care at a Closer to Home event at Jersey Library.
Closer to Home is a government initiative aiming to make health services more accessible to islanders.
The free event consisted of stalls hosted by various charities, healthcare professionals and businesses including CLIC Sargent (Jersey), Macmillan, Liberty Bus and many more which was then followed by a Q&A.
An interactive session was hosted by Tim Rogers, who volunteers his time working on the Jersey Cancer Strategy and with the Cancer Network.
He was full of praise for those taking part, commenting: “I’ve witnessed firsthand the tremendous efforts of so many dedicated individuals working to make a meaningful impact on those affected by cancer.”
A Q&A allowed islanders to ask questions and gain insights from various experts in the field with the panel including a diverse group of individuals, each bringing unique perspectives and expertise to the discussion:
- Dr Dos Santos – A dedicated professional with a wealth of knowledge in oncology and cancer care.
- Kerry Le Crom – Improving the Cancer Journey Jersey Lead. Supporting patients on the ICJJ pathway
- Sarah Evans – An advocate for cancer care with a focus on patient experience and support services.
- Lorna Pirozzolo – A passionate individual with deep experience, a scientific background and the founder of the website Cancer.je.
- Susie Hazeldine – Travel Office Manager
- Antonia Rubio – Cancer advocate, charity ambassador
Discussions focused on the valuable resources available to islanders, as well as the island’s Cancer Strategy, which was created by Improving the Cancer Journey Jersey – a partnership between the Health Department and Macmillan Cancer Support Jersey launched last year.
The strategy document sets out a vision for how Jersey will reduce cancer risk, improve early detection, enhancetreatment, and ensure that all islanders have access to timely and person-centred care.
Recognising that there should not be a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to cancer care, the aim is for a patient-focused, holistic approach to assessment to identify the needs of each individual in order to create a personalised care plan.
As well addressing medical needs, focus will also be on ensuring patients have access to face-to-face support for financial, practical and emotional concerns, with counselling and group sessions on offer.
Chair of Jersey’s Cancer Strategy Implementation Committee, Elizabet Gomes Dos Santos, said: “We believe that by fostering connections, promoting awareness and working together we can strengthen our community’s response to cancer and ensure that everyone has access to the support they need.”
One of the attendees of the event was Sammy Kean, a stage four colon cancer patient.
She expressed her concerns regarding the strategy and raised areas for possible development, one of which was leaving former patients and survivors without support due to the strategy eligibility restrictions.
As the strategy is currently in the early stages, the service is only offered to new patients, therefore, it will take time for islanders to feel the full effects and benefits of the new initiative.
In the future, they hope to open up the assessment to not just existing patients, but also previous patients who are in remission or on maintenance treatment.
However, Sammy remains hopeful things will improve moving forward, stating: “It will take a long time before we see the real benefits but we’re heading in the right direction.”
Stephanie Gibaut, Chief Executive Officer at Macmillan Jersey said she was positive about the direction things were taking for cancer patients and encouraged islanders to continuing giving their input.
“2024 marked real progress for Jersey’s Cancer Strategy ‘Together’, with even more positive developments on the horizon,” she said.
Reflecting on the Closer to Home event, she said: “It was fantastic to see so many islanders attend, engaging with the conversation and learning more about the vital support services available in Jersey.”
Additional reporting by Freya Rud, who was on Trident work experience.
