Tag Archives: cancer awareness

Have You Supported Someone Through Womb Cancer? Your Experience Could Help Improve Care

By Matthew McKenzie – Chair of Cancer Caregiver group

Supporting a loved one through a cancer diagnosis is a journey that often goes unseen. Family members, partners, friends, and other caregivers provide emotional support, help navigate appointments, and stand alongside patients during one of the most challenging periods of their lives. Yet their experiences are rarely heard.

Researchers at University College London (UCL) are inviting people who have supported someone with endometrial (womb) cancer to take part in a research study exploring the cancer diagnostic journey. The study is particularly interested in hearing from people who have supported women experiencing economic hardship, as well as Black women, who are more likely to be diagnosed with endometrial cancer at a later stage, when treatment can be more difficult.

Your Story Matters

Every caregiver’s experience provides valuable insight into the challenges people face before, during, and after a cancer diagnosis. By sharing your story, you can help researchers better understand the barriers to timely diagnosis and identify ways to improve support for future patients and their families.

Your voice could contribute to research that helps reduce health inequalities and improve cancer care across the UK.

Who Can Take Part?

You may be eligible if:

  • You are 18 years or older.
  • You supported a friend or family member diagnosed with endometrial (womb) cancer.
  • The person you supported completed treatment (such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy) within the last 2–5 years.
  • Their cancer treatment took place in the UK.
  • Your experience involved economic hardship.
  • You are willing to participate in a one-hour interview.

What’s Involved?

Participants will be invited to take part in a one-hour interview, either online or at UCL. Translation support is available for people whose first language is not English, and participants will receive a gift card as a thank-you for their time.

Interested?

If you think you may be eligible or would like to learn more, please contact the research team:

Email: ruby.neish.25@ucl.ac.uk

On a side note, remember I also run the Cancer Caregiver group the last wednesday of the month, see poster below.

Why Brain Tumour Awareness Month 2025 Matters More Than Ever

Join Matthew McKenzie in raising awareness for brain tumors, highlighting the importance of research, support, and campaigning. Stand up for science and mental health to make a difference in the lives of those affected. Watch the 4 minute awareness video below.

Raising Awareness for Brain Tumor Awareness Month

Brain tumors, whether cancerous or benign, are a life-altering diagnosis for affected individuals and their families.

Continue reading →

Empowering Change: Uniting the unique Against Cancer on World Cancer Day

Another blog by Matthew McKenzie for World Cancer Day 2025. Join the movement on World Cancer Day to raise awareness, promote early detection, and support those affected by cancer. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against this disease that impacts millions worldwide.

To watch the 3 minute awarenes video. Click below.

Continue reading →

Bowel Cancer Awareness Month 2023

Welcome fellow carers. My name is Matthew Mckenzie and I campaign regarding unpaid carers. Most of my time I focus on those caring for someone with mental illness. However this blog is a little different, well ok a lot more different. Before I continue, feel free to watch the video version of my awareness blog

I am still focusing on unpaid carers, but more on those who care for someone with cancer. Why is that you ask? Well I run a carer’s stall at some hospitals. Those visiting someone using those hospitals drop by that stall and I often get those who care for someone with cancer. Yes, a lot do visit requesting information or just wanting to be heard.

Did you know that April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month?

Unfortunately Someone dies of bowel cancer every 30 minutes in the UK. So raising awareness of Bowel cancer is incredibly important.

Bowel cancer awareness month is an opportunity to highlight the symptoms of bowel cancer and encourage people to get tested.

In fact this type of cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK. It is the UK’s second biggest killer from cancers and most likely to be diagnosed in people over 60.

Some of the common symptoms of bowel cancer include:

  • Bleeding from the bottom and blood in poo
  • Being easily fatigued with no obvious reason or cause
  • Pain or a lump in the tummy
  • Persistent and unexplained change in bowel habit
  • Sudden and unexplained weight loss

With these symptoms it is so important to get screened or tested for bowl cancer. This is especially important for those from ethnic groups. There is no shame being tested or talking about it.

If you are caring for someone with cancer, it can be understandable that talking about this can be difficult. Carers of those with cancer are suddenly thrown into a world of advocating, feeling guilt and stressed at what the future holds. It is important health professionals identify and listen to these types of carers.

How can we reduce the onset of Bowl cancer?

  • Eat less red meat and avoid processed meat
  • Eat more wholegrains, pulses, vegetables and fruit
  • Be a healthy body weight
  • Be more physically active
  • Drink less alcohol
  • Stop smoking.

I hope this blog has raised much needed awareness. I certainly will be covering more on those who care for someone with cancer to continue raising awareness.