Islanders affected by cancer are invited to attend an awareness-raising event for World Cancer Day at Jersey Library tomorrow.
The event, running from 10:00 to 15:00 on Tuesday 4 February, will provide information on local cancer support services and offer an opportunity to learn more about Jersey’s Cancer Strategy.
A range of charities, healthcare professionals, and government services will be present to offer guidance and support about available resources and services.
Organisations taking part include Jersey Cancer Relief, Cancer.je, Jersey Hospice Care, and Improving the Cancer Journey Jersey (ICJJ).
ICJJ – a partnership between the Health Department and Macmillan Cancer Support Jersey – was launched last year to address challenges often overlooked in cancer care.
The service offers patients a holistic needs assessment, ensuring they receive personalised care plans, face-to-face guidance, and access to financial, emotional, and practical support, including counselling and group sessions.
Chair of Jersey’s Cancer Strategy Implementation Committee, Elizabet Gomes Dos Santos, said: “This year’s World Cancer Day theme, ‘United and Unique,’ reminds us that every cancer journey is different.
“Still our strength lies in coming together to provide comprehensive and compassionate care.
“By collaborating with charities and community organisations, we can unite our efforts to address the unique needs of each patient, ensuring they feel supported at every step of their journey.
“Together, we can build a future where no one faces cancer alone.”
As part of the event, a Q&A panel will take place from 14:00 to 15:00 giving attendees the chance to hear directly from those leading Jersey’s Cancer Strategy.
Panellists include Dr Dos Santos, Kerry Le Crom, Sarah Evans, Lorna Pirozzolo, Susie Hazeldine, and Antonia Rubio.
Miss Rubio is an advocate for young cancer patients and charity ambassador who recently became a reporter for All Island Media, the parent company of Bailiwick Express.
She said: “It’s so important to recognise that each person’s cancer journey is unique. Having the Cancer Strategy in place ensures that each person’s individual needs are being catered for.
“Through my own personal experience with cancer, it has been so wonderful to see the feedback I have provided being taken onboard by the Network to review as areas for potential development.”
The event is part of the Closer to Home initiative, which aims to make health services more accessible to islanders.
Attendance is free, and those interested in the Q&A panel can reserve a ticket online.
