cancer Archives - Page 5 of 6

Harrogate hospital: ‘Worrying’ drop in early cancer diagnoses

A fall in the number of people being diagnosed with early cancer at Harrogate District Hospital during the pandemic has sparked fears many may get treatment too late.

Official figures seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service show a 13.7% reduction in cancer cases detected at stage one – when the chances of survival are highest – during the first 12 months of the covid outbreak compared with the same period a year before.

Cancer charities fear this means many people may unknowingly have the disease and are missing out on potentially life-saving treatment – and they have urged anyone with possible symptoms to get checked as a matter of urgency.

Lisa Spivey, Macmillan Cancer Support partnership manager for West Yorkshire and Harrogate, said the “worrying” drop in diagnoses was down to patients being too scared to visit GPs in case they became infected with covid.

She said:

“Covid has been at the forefront of everyone’s minds while cancer and other long term conditions have been forgotten.

“The last 12 months have had a massive impact on the number of people coming forward with any sign or symptoms. During the first wave especially, there were huge fears about covid and GPs being busy.

“It’s vital that we do catch cancer at the early stages because it gives us the best chance of treatment and recovery.

“It’s a massive worry that more people may have been missed this year so we need anyone who has any symptoms – or anyone who just needs advice – to please come forward.”

Dr Kathryn Scott, chief executive of Harrogate-based charity Yorkshire Cancer Research, added:

“We’ve estimated that there could be more than 3,500 missing cancers in Yorkshire. These cancers are less likely to be found at an early stage, when there are more treatment options and the likelihood of survival is higher.

“The good news is that we have seen a surge in referrals recently, and we strongly urge people experiencing possible symptoms of cancer, or any unusual changes to their body, to contact their GP as soon as possible.”

The NHS has worked hard to maintain cancer care during the pandemic, with services at Harrogate hospital remaining open throughout.

While 509 patients at the hospital were diagnosed with stage one cancer between March 2019 and February 2020, this dropped by 13.7% to 439 in the same following period – a fall of around five people a month.

The number of people being diagnosed during the later stages – where the cancer spreads and becomes progressively harder to treat – has also fallen in all categories.

Emma Radcliffe, lead cancer manager at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, said while the hospital is not facing the challenge of backlogs because services have continued, there are uncertainties ahead around how many patients could come forward with late stage cancer.

She said:

“The team has worked incredibly hard throughout the pandemic to continue providing vital cancer care – that hasn’t stopped. We’ve introduced new measures to keep our most vulnerable patients out of the hospital environment.

“In terms of the impact the pandemic will have had on cancer services going forward, because we have kept services going we don’t have a backlog so will continue to care for patients in a timely manner.

“However, there is a potential challenge because we don’t know about those patients who’ve not come forward to us, and the impact for them and us. It may be that their cancer is more challenging to treat – that’s why it’s so important that if someone is concerned, they see their GP as soon as possible.”

She added:

“Our really important message to people is that if you’ve had unexplained blood that doesn’t come from an obvious injury (such as blood in your poo or pee), an unexplained lump, weight loss which feels significant to you or an unexplained pain that lasts three weeks or more, it could be a sign of cancer.

“It’s probably nothing serious, but finding cancer early makes it more treatable, so just speak to your GP. We can’t stress that enough.”

Tribute to Harrogate man who dies of cancer aged 24

A Harrogate man has died of a rare form of bone cancer at the age of just 24.

James Hindmarsh was diagnosed with Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma last year and recently stopped receiving NHS treatment after several rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

In his final weeks, James’ friends and colleagues worked together to raise over £60,000 to pay for private treatment.

Four friends pledged to complete a number of challenges to raise funds. But unfortunately, James died before treatment could begin.

James lived in Harrogate all his life and attended Ashville College.

Today, Ian Brown, president of the Ashvillian Society, the college’s alumni organisation, said:

“We are always saddened to learn of the death of an Old Ashvillian, and our thoughts and prayers go out to James’ parents, family and friends.

“I was so impressed with the spirit James showed both before, and especially during, his illness, and it’s devastating he lost his fight against the disease.”

Friends raise £40,000 for Harrogate man’s life-saving cancer treatment

Friends and celebrities have rallied round to raise £40,000 in a matter of days to help a young Harrogate man fund life-saving medical treatment.

In April last year, James Hindmarsh was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer called Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma. Friends and family assured him they’d stand by him all the way.

Since then James, 24, has undergone multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

However, this NHS treatment has not worked, which has spurred friends of James, who attended Ashville College, to start fundraising to pay for private treatment abroad.

Six of his best friends have pledged to complete a number of challenges, including running three marathons in three days, the Yorkshire three peaks and a ski tour. To donate click here.

James with best friend Henry Bartle (left) and his mum and brother (right).

James’ work colleagues at financial services company the DSG Group have set up a Justgiving page, bringing the overall total raised so far to more than £40,000.

James’ cancer is particularly rare in young adults and finding a clinic that can help is proving difficult. However James and those around him are determined to keep going.

James is not currently receiving any treatment and is suffering physically but continues to stay mentally strong.

One of James’ best friends, Henry Bartle, who has known him since the pair went to primary school in Cundall, said:

“James is very, very funny. He’s just an all-round amazing guy. He’s been putting on a very brave face for the past year and just takes each day as it comes.

“He’s currently fighting each day and we want to give him the best chance of living.”

The fundraising pages were only set up days ago and has generated a rapid response. A number of celebrities, including former football manager Harry Redknapp and journalist Piers Morgan have shared the fundraising page on social media or reached out to help.

Henry added:

“It’s just gone crazy, we never expected this.”

17,000 fewer scans at Harrogate Hospital due to covid

Harrogate District Hospital Trust provided over 17,000 fewer scans in the six months after the pandemic began than the six months prior.

The Stray Ferret has found data on the NHS England website to show that 39,348 scans took place between October 2019 and March 2020.

During the six months after coronavirus took hold, April 2020 and September 2020, there were 22,157 scans delivered at the hospital.

That is 17,191 fewer scans.

These numbers include scans delivered at the Nightingale hospital in Harrogate after a referral from the trust. The exact number has not been disclosed.

Coronavirus has had a huge impact on the NHS, with staff working longer hours under difficult conditions.

The district hospital has seen an impact in the number of scans it delivered. Coronavirus meant many appointments were delayed and some patients were left feeling reluctant to go into hospital with health issues.

The hospital said its staff are working hard to re-book appointments.

Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson said:

“We are working hard to reschedule appointments and operations impacted by the pandemic for as soon as possible. However, the pandemic means that for many of our patients there will be a delay, and waiting times will be longer.

“We have arrangements in place to risk assess every patient on our waiting lists to ensure we prioritise people on the basis of their clinical need. These decisions are being made by doctors and other clinical colleagues who are following national clinical guidelines.

“Colleagues both in hospital and in community services have been absolutely fantastic throughout the pandemic and despite the ongoing challenges, continue to be.”

The data included 12 scans covering all areas of the body including CT, MRI and Cystoscopy scans. Some of those included in the data are used in cancer diagnosis.

Seven of the 12 scans included in this data can be used for cancer amongst other conditions.

Huge drops in cancer referrals have been reported throughout the pandemic. Cancer Research UK found that 40,000 fewer people started cancer treatment last year.

Dr Stuart Griffiths, Director of Research and Services at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said:

“We know that there has been a reduction in urgent referrals for suspected cancer during the pandemic which is slowly getting back to normal. Early diagnosis of cancer is vitally important. It is easier to treat when caught early.

“We encourage anyone with any worrying symptoms to approach their GP.”

Harrogate mother talks of daughter’s childhood cancer to support charity

A Harrogate family is supporting a Yorkshire cancer charity in raising awareness for International Childhood Cancer Day by talking openly about the impact on families.

Candlelighters is based in Leeds and helps families across Yorkshire affected by childhood cancer.

The Downie family from Harrogate have praised the charity after it helped them during their daughter’s cancer treatment.

Marnie Downie-Keally, aged six, was diagnosed with Low-grade Pilocytic Astrocytoma (a type of brain tumour) when she was two years old. In late 2018 after an MRI scan, it was decided that Marnie would need to go through chemotherapy for 18 months.

Her mum Sally had to stop working to take care of her daughter. Candlelighters was able to offer some financial support during this time as well as emotional support.

Sally said:

“I had worked full time in the pharmaceutical industry but at that point had to stop work to care for Marnie.”

“There are far too many things to list that Candlelighters have done for us since Marnie’s diagnosis and, unless you are being supported by them, I don’t think you can ever fully appreciate what they do.”

Marnie is now doing well after finishing her treatment in June 2020.

In Yorkshire alone, 150 children are diagnosed with cancer each year. Candlelighters says its aim is to offer support to these children and their families whether that is by offering respite to parents or financial grants.

Candlelighters chief executive, Emily Wragg, said:

“We are proud of the many ways we support families emotionally, practically and financially – which has continued throughout the pandemic. We also bring hope to families by investing in vital research, education and training, helping to improve long-term outcomes for patients.”

Harrogate cyclist plans 24-hour challenge in aunt’s memory

A Harrogate man is preparing to take on a 300-mile cycling challenge in memory of his aunt, a well-known national radio broadcaster.

Simon Gregory will cycle from Harrogate’s Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre to the Southampton hospital where his aunt, the Rev Ruth Scott, was treated for lymphoma.

He plans to complete the 288-mile route in just 24 hours in June, which will mean cycling through the night on his own. Despite the scale of his challenge, Simon is a relatively new cyclist. He said:

“I got into cycling around the time Ruth died and when the UCI cycling was coming to Harrogate. A client entered me for the sportive and I raised £2,000 for Leeds Cares.

“From there, I realised the physical benefits and mental health benefits of cycling, which really helped me with my grief.”

Simon continued to ride and, having raised £2,000, began to wonder what he could do to raise even more for cancer charities.

One of several family members to go through cancer treatment, his aunt was diagnosed with a rare form of lymphoma which did not respond to normal treatments – though some long-shot options taken by her doctors did give better results. Throughout her treatment, Ruth and her family were supported by Macmillan.

Pause for Thought

Until shortly before her death in early 2019, Ruth was known as one of the voices of Pause for Thought on the BBC Radio 2 breakfast show, first with Sir Terry Wogan and then with Chris Evans. However, Simon said her appearances were just one of the remarkable things in her life.

“She was a priest, and before that she was a clown in a circus. The first service she did after she was ordained involved a bit of fire eating.

“She never said no to a challenge and she spent a lot of time in the Middle East and North Africa, to try to increase understanding between Christian and Muslim communities there.”

Ruth herself once cycled from Rome to Jerusalem, giving Simon even more inspiration for his challenge. He began training last year and has stepped up his mileage in recent weeks.

At the same time, he is juggling home-schooling for his two primary age children, and running specialist recruitment business GPS Return with his wife, Miranda.

“They’ve been incredibly supportive. These last couple of weekends, the snow has interrupted training but Miranda has still been encouraging me to go.

“For some of the rides, I’ve been out for 10 or 11 hours. Last year, they jumped in the car and had a day on the beach at Saltburn. I cycled up and met them there for 20 minutes then set off home again.”

The current lockdown restrictions mean Simon is staying closer to home: his next 100-mile training ride will be completed in laps starting from his Harrogate home.

Although he told his wider family last year about the challenge he was taking on, Simon has only just revealed it to friends. Now, he’s hoping to get as close to his £10,000 fundraising target as possible before he starts the challenge in mid-June.

To donate to Simon’s challenge, click here, or follow his progress on Instagram at @ruthscott24hr.

Harrogate family hit by childhood cancer urges charity support

A Harrogate family is urging people not to forget vital charities this Christmas.

The Riley family found out first hand just how important support from a specialist charity can be when it is needed, after daughter Rosie was diagnosed with cancer.

Rosie – aged just six at the time – was found to have acute myeloid leukaemia just before Christmas 2015. Suddenly, the family was thrust into a world of tests and treatment, and found the support of children’s cancer charity Candlelighters invaluable.

Mum Lisa said:

“During her treatment, we lived at the LGI for five months and Candlelighters made Rosie smile every day. They would visit her room when she was too poorly to go to the playroom, they would bring little gifts to cheer her up and they always had time for a chat.

“The sweetie trolley was a weekly highlight and the presents on Christmas Eve were very exciting – and Santa’s visit of course!”

Despite the coronavirus pandemic, Candlelighters has continued to support families this year and said it will make Christmas special for them. Children spending Christmas in hospital will be able to enjoy gifts, themed events and a virtual visit from Santa.

The charity’s support for children does not end when they leave the hospital, either. This year, it has adapted its work to support families facing the additional complications of covid, from worries about keeping their children safe from the virus to dealing with even more financial pressure.

Like many charities, Candlelighters’ fundraising opportunities have been limited this year by the pandemic. Reliant on donations from the community to continue supporting families, it is appealing for people to keep contributing towards its efforts this Christmas.

Rosie had successful treatment in 2016, with four rounds of chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant, before returning home and getting back to school. Now aged 11, she continues to be helped by Candlelighters, which says its support lasts a lifetime.

Lisa added:

“If you are thinking of raising money for Candlelighters, I absolutely urge you. They make a rubbish day a good day and turn a sad face into a smiley face.

“We absolutely can’t thank Candlelighters enough, we would have been lost without them”.

Several hundred people miss early cancer diagnosis in Yorkshire

Several hundred people in Yorkshire have missed potentially life-saving early cancer diagnosis because of covid, according to a Harrogate-based research charity.

Dr Kathryn Scott, chief executive of Yorkshire Cancer Research, gave the figure in an interview with the Stray Ferret.

The NHS halted screenings in the early days of the coronavirus pandemic.

Dr Scott said:

“We have lost some opportunities to find early cancers. People were also very nervous to go to the doctors. Then the people that do go have delays in diagnosis and treatment.

“The NHS tried innovative ways to get around that. But it is still a sad fact that we think several hundred people have missed out on early diagnosis in Yorkshire.”

She added that when people miss out on early diagnosis they often have to go through more invasive treatments and have a worse chance of survival.

Dr Scott spoke to us after the publication of the charity’s annual accounts for the year ending 31 March 2020, which showed total income had increased from £12.8 million to £18.7 million.

Royalty income accounted for £12 million – up from £6.7 million – of this.

The charity, however, is expecting its next accounts to be more challenging because of covid, with fundraising income likely to be down by more than £1 million.

£8.3 million for new cancer research

To combat what Dr Scott sees as a “big hill to climb” with cancer, the charity is pumping another £8.3 million into new research.

Of this sum, £3.4 million will be used to fund research into whether chemotherapy before surgery in bowel cancer patients improves survival rates.

Other projects it funds will look into ways to use medication to slow the spread of prostate cancer, urine tests to detect bladder cancer and whether vaping products can help those with mental illness quit smoking.

How coronavirus vaccine push can help cancer research

There has been much excitement about the development of coronavirus vaccines with efficacy of up to 95%.

Dr Scott hopes the development of new technologies, such as synthetic DNA-based vaccines, could be adapted to improve cancer treatments. She said:

“One of the benefits of the way they have run the clinical trials is the new technology and the new techniques they’re using in those trials.

“It really compresses the time and so absolutely in the future, fingers crossed, we can get cancer treatments and therapies through that pipeline faster.”

Although the pandemic is likely to hit Yorkshire Cancer Research hard financially, it believes its future is bright, and that it will be able to continue with its aim of helping 2,000 more people survive cancer every year in Yorkshire.

Art exhibition raises money for Harrogate cancer centre

An artist with terminal cancer is staging an exhibition to raise funds for a local charity that has been treating her illness.

Sharon Tinayre Carrick, a much-loved art teacher from Harrogate, wanted to raise money for the Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre at Harrogate District Hospital.

Ms Carrick was determined to support the staff that have helped her during several months of treatment.

Her exhibition at Art in the Mill in Knaresborough was initially planned for March but had to be postponed due to coronavirus.

Both Sharon and the gallery owner, Andy Grinter, were determined to continue with their plans at a later date.

Over 80% of the items in her solo exhibition have already sold, despite only opening on Thursday. The total raised currently stands at £4350.

Ms Carrick, who uses her middle name to sign her art, said:

“It’s wonderful that all this art is raising so much money. I think it will make a big difference to the centre, they tried really hard with me and it’s really important they’re supported.

These charities are really important. It’s the most positive thing in my life right now and to know so many people are supporting it is just wonderful.”

The ‘Was I Really There’ exhibition is a collection of pieces using different mediums, including some following a birthday trip to Venice with family.

Mr Grinter, owner of Art in the Mill, said:

“We have put an awful lot of work into this alongside Sharon, and she decided very early on it would be a fundraiser to thank people for their help. It’s gone far above and beyond what we were expecting. People have seized the opportunity to remember and to support Sharon. It was all her idea, energy and commitment and of course we have done all we can to support it.

“After lockdown it was all hands on deck to bring it together. It’s been a great success, it is a standing testament to the amount of goodwill and sentiment in the community.”

As an art teacher, Ms Carrick worked with students at Rossett Adult Learning and The Orb in Knaresborough.

Pandemic led to ‘extremely worrying’ drop in cancer referrals in district

The coronavirus pandemic has led to a “significant drop” in the number of people in the Harrogate district going to their GP with cancer symptoms.

The situation was “extremely worrying” said the district’s health professionals who urged the public to always see a doctor about any symptoms that may be cancer.

All patients with suspected cancer are referred by their doctors for an urgent appointment at Harrogate District Hospital, which can either rule out the disease or pick it up early and allow for urgent investigations and treatment.

The hospital said it would normally expect to see 190-200 such urgent cancer referrals a week but during the past couple of months that had dropped to as low as 60 patients per week.

The numbers of patients being referred for appointments has started to rise again, but the concern is that not everyone is getting in touch with their GP.

Dr Charles Parker, NHS North Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Group’s Clinical Chair, said:

“Finding cancer early offers the best chance to cure it. Ignoring potential problems can have serious consequences for people, something that nobody wants. Please, if you’re concerned, make an appointment with your GP. We are doing all we can to care for patients safely.”

People who are referred into Harrogate District Hospital for investigation or treatment, or who are already on a course of treatment, can expect the same quality of care; the way that care is delivered however may have changed in response to the pandemic.”

Noreen Hawkshaw, Macmillian Lead Nurse for Cancer and Matron for the Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre at the hospital, said:

“Here in Harrogate district, the NHS is continuing to work hard to manage the coronavirus pandemic, but we’re also working hard to ensure patients can safely access essential services such as cancer investigation and treatments if needed.

“The NHS has had to change significantly to manage the impact of the pandemic but we want to reassure patients who are referred to Harrogate District Hospital for investigation that we are still providing the same high quality of care, just in a different way, ensuring all the appropriate measures in line with Government guidance are in place to keep you safe when accessing our services.”

Read more:

Read more:

Read more:

Read more:

Read more:

Pause for Thought

Read more:

Read more:

Read more:

£8.3 million for new cancer research

How coronavirus vaccine push can help cancer research