A new group of Islanders with experience of cancer has been established to help steer the direction of cancer care in Jersey.
The Cancer Advisory and Patient Strategy (CAPS) Group was established in partnership with Health and Care Jersey, Macmillan Cancer Support Jersey and Jersey Hospice Care, and its first meeting was last week.
The Patient Advisory Sub-Committee, which is made up of islanders with lived experience of using cancer care services in Jersey, will help shape the Island’s Cancer Strategy.
The group aims to improve cancer care, support and outcomes across the island by identifying areas for improvement inspired by their own experiences.
The sessions, which are due to be held monthly and will be facilitated by Tim H.J. Rogers and Lauren Perchard-Rees, former CEO of Macmillan Jersey Cancer Support.
Dr Elizabet Gomes Dos Santos, Consultant Medical Oncologist and Chair of the Jersey Cancer Strategy Implementation Committee, said: “The CAPS Group represents a vital step in making our Cancer Strategy truly co-produced.
“By listening to people with lived experience, we can ensure that services, policies, and innovations genuinely reflect what matters most to those affected by cancer in Jersey.”
The CAPS Group will feed directly into the Jersey Cancer Strategy Implementation Committee, with the aim of ensuring that patient insights remain present in cancer service development.
Topics such as cancer prevention, early diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and palliative care will be discussed throughout the duration of the group’s term.
CAPS Group member Antonia Rubio, who was diagnosed with thyroid cancer at 24, said: “I decided to join the CAPS group as I wanted to be able to use my cancer experience to inform and inspire future changes and implementations to cancer care in the Island.”
“I especially want to make sure children, teenagers and young adults are also considered when making decisions to improve our local cancer service.
“I feel so hopeful after meeting the other members and I was so happy that despite being the youngest member of the group, I felt heard and that my voice was really valued.
“There were such a range of different diagnoses and personal experiences within the group, I really feel as though this group will be able to make a positive impact moving forward.”
Fellow CAPS member April Marques added: “There are so many reasons as to why I’ve joined the CAPS Group that I couldn’t possibly describe every single one of them in just a few lines.
“One of the biggest motivators is, without a doubt, the inspiring work done by all of these wonderful people and amazing professionals who have been helping continuously cancer patients and their families throughout some of the darkest days of their lives.
“I want to use my own experience and be able to spread knowledge regarding how important it is to be self-aware and get yourself a regular checkup – an early diagnosis for any type of cancer at any age is the key to increasing the survival rate.”
Health Minister Tom Binet added: “I’m delighted that the first meeting of the CAPS Group has been held. Ensuring that the voices of those affected by cancer are heard is fundamental to building a compassionate and effective health service.”