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While a certain virus is at the forefront of everyone's minds and appears to be the main focus of health workers, the other big 'C' has not disappeared.
Lauren Perchard-Rees, Chief Executive of Macmillan Jersey, is encouraging islanders to speak to their GPs if they have any concerns about their symptoms...
"Whilst our island and the entire world are working incredibly hard to prepare and deliver health services to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic, we should not forget that health services are still open for other concerns and conditions too, and any ongoing new symptoms or unexplained changes to your health should be reported to a medical professional.
Pictured: Lauren Perchard-Rees, Chief Executive of Macmillan Jersey.
Whilst Covid-19 may appear to dominate our health-related conversations right now, the other big ‘C’ hasn’t gone away.
Reports being published in the UK are showing a significant decrease in cancer diagnoses during this pandemic, and sadly deaths due to cancer may rise due to a later diagnosis. It is really important that you do not ignore any symptoms whilst waiting for this lengthy pandemic to go away.
Different types of cancer have different symptoms, and these symptoms can be caused by things other than cancer. If you are experiencing any of the below it is worth checking in with your GP:
Pictured: The team from Macmillan Jersey.
Our cancer support team at Macmillan Jersey are hearing the enormous impact COVID-19 is having on the wellbeing of people affected by cancer in Jersey, with most patients having to self-isolate for the foreseeable future and therefore separated from their loved ones, and more distanced from their health care teams.
Whilst the Oncology (cancer) department in Jersey is still open and continuing drug treatments for all its patients, some aspects of care and treatment plans have been modified to ensure the highest standards of safety to a vulnerable group of people at this time.
Some cancer surgery is also continuing with adaptations for the safety of patients and staff. However, it is understandable that people are feeling deeply concerned, worried and alone.
Pictured: All of Macmillan Jersey's services are now phone-based.
For all of those people in our community currently going through a cancer experience themselves, or supporting a loved one at home or from a distance, Macmillan Jersey is still here for you from day one offering emotional support, practical advice and regular social 'check-in' calls.
All our services are now phone or virtual based (exercise and relaxation classes). People may be in isolation, but they do not need to face cancer, and the added challenges and concerns of Covid-19, alone.
We are just a phone call away, please get in touch."
The Macmillan Jersey cancer support team can be contacted on 498188, Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 16:00 or via the ‘get in touch page’ on the charity's website.
