Tag Archives: cancer caregivers

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.

World Lung Cancer Day 2025: Honoring Unpaid Carers & Fostering Compassion

By Matthew McKenzie

On this World Lung Cancer Day (1st of August), we spotlight not only the impact of lung cancer itself, but also theose behind the scenes the unpaid family members, friends, and carers who provide unwavering love, support, and strength.

In this 8-minute video, hosted by myself from A Caring Mind, I explore:

  • The profound emotional and physical toll of caring for someone with cancer
  • The critical need for early detection, expanded research funding, and global health equity
  • The indispensable role of families and unpaid carers—whose contributions often go unrecognized

I also introduce major organizations leading the lung cancer fight:

  • European Respiratory Society (ERS) – promoting lung health through education, early diagnosis, policy advocacy, and improved treatment pathways
  • Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) – uniting global respiratory health organizations to advocate for prevention, clean air, and equitable access to care
  • Lung Cancer Foundation of America (LCFA) – funding innovative lung cancer research and amplifying the voices of patients and survivors to raise awareness and reduce stigma
  • Lung Cancer Research Foundation (LCRF) – accelerating research, supporting affected individuals, and organizing global awareness initiatives like World Lung Cancer Day

In the video I remind that behind the tragic statistic of over 1.6 million annual deaths worldwide, are stories of resilience and compassion: nights spent advocating in hospitals, hands held during chemotherapy, and hope sustained in the darkest moments.

What You Can Do:

  • Share the video to raise awareness
  • Support carers through mental health resources and recognition
  • Advocate for policies that include carers in healthcare support systems
  • Approach lung cancer conversations with empathy—not stigma

Today, we honor not just the patients, but those who stand beside them—quietly, persistently, lovingly.

Cervical Cancer Awareness Month 2025

Welcome to another blog post from Matthew McKenzie (who runs the London Cancer carer group) advocating for cervical cancer awareness, prevention, and support in 2025. In this blog you can learn about screenings, HPV vaccinations, and the crucial role of caregivers in the fight against cervical cancer.

To watch the 3 minute Cervical Cancer Awareness Month 2025 video, please click below.

Continue reading →