By Matthew McKenzie – Facilitator of Cancer Caregiver group
Welcome to the October update from my National Cancer Caregiver Forum, reflecting on our meeting held on 30 September.
I chair this forum to help bring greater attention to the experiences of people supporting someone living with cancer. Cancer care can involve a whirlwind of appointments, investigations, treatment decisions and changes at home. Behind all of this, family members, partners and friends often provide considerable practical and emotional support.
Post By Matthew McKenzie – National Cancer Carer forum
For people living with a serious mental illness (SMI) such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or psychosis, cancer remains one of the leading causes of premature death. In South East London, lung cancer is particularly devastating, with mortality rates highest among this group.
But there’s good news: projects are now underway to change this. Click on poster for more details
Why this matters
Early detection can make all the difference in lung cancer outcomes. Yet too often, people with SMI face additional challenges in accessing screening, diagnosis, and treatment pathways. These barriers can delay care, reduce treatment effectiveness, and ultimately cost lives.
That’s why the South East London Cancer Alliance has partnered with the Woolwich Service Users Project (WSUP) to hear directly from service users about their experiences. The aim is simple but powerful: understand what stands in the way and build solutions that ensure fair and timely cancer care for everyone.
How you can get involved
If you:
Are over 18,
Have a diagnosed serious mental illness,
Have a history of smoking,
Live in South East London (Bexley, Bromley, Croydon, Greenwich, Lambeth, Lewisham, or Southwark),
then your voice could make a real difference.
You may have been referred for lung cancer screening, diagnosed with lung cancer, or spoken to your GP about persistent symptoms like a cough or shortness of breath. Whatever your experience, sharing it can help shape future services.
What to expect
Focus groups (online or in-person in Woolwich) lasting about 90 minutes.
A safe, supportive space to share your experiences with up to five other participants.
Reimbursement for your time (£20–£30 depending on the session) plus refreshments at in-person events.
Confidentiality and anonymity are guaranteed.
When and where
Focus groups will run September – October 2025.
Online via Microsoft Teams.
In person at Woolwich Service Users Project, 107 Brookhill Road, SE18 6BJ.
Deadline to register: 10th October 2025 (but get in touch even if you miss it—support is flexible).
Together we can change the story
Every voice matters. By sharing your experiences, you can help break down barriers to early lung cancer diagnosis and ensure better care for people with serious mental illness.
Because when it comes to cancer care, no one should be left behind.
Would you like me to make this blog more community-facing (warm, story-driven, with lived-experience language) or more professional-facing (for healthcare partners and stakeholders)?
