Claire Stephenson, Bowel Cancer UK
Karen Sorensen, Guy’s Hospital
Minutes:
Bowel Cancer UK
Dave Morrisson, a volunteer from Bowel Cancer UK, introduced the organisation, saying that its main aims were raising awareness, campaigning for best treatment, and giving information and support to those who had been diagnosed with the disease. He went on to say that Bowel Cancer was the third most common cancer, and that in the UK one person was diagnosed with the disease every 15 minutes. It affected men and women in equal measure, and was very much treatable, with 90% of those diagnosed early surviving past the 5-year mark. Sadly, however, only 10% of cases were diagnosed early. Risk factors increasing the chance of being diagnosed with the disease were: being older than 50, having a family history of bowel cancer or chronic bowel condition (like Crohn’s disease) being overweight, having type 2 diabetes and having polyps in the colon. The symptoms included bleeding from the rectum, blood in the stool, looser stool (or any changes in bowel habits), weight loss, and lumps or bumps in the abdomen. He urged all those in risk groups to get checked. Ways to reduce one’s risk of bowel cancer was cutting down on processed and red meat, leading an active lifestyle, eating five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, as well as beans and pulses. Smoking cessation and minimising alcohol intake to under 14 units per week were also important. Dave encouraged all those eligible to take part in the screening, and recounted his personal experience of being asked to come in for more tests, but being given the all clear.
Guy’s Cancer Centre
Karen Sorensen, Guy’s Hospital Asset Management Team, spoke to the meeting about the plans for the new cancer centre at Guy’s. Her attendance at the meeting was part of the consultation process, which also included an exhibition at Guy’s hospital. There would be more investment in cancer care, due to the number of cancer cases being projected to go up. Therefore a new building was needed to bring together all the services currently housed on separate sites. The design for the new building was based on the twin pillars of scientific care and sympathetic care. It would be located at the junction of Newcomen Street, Snowsfield and Great Maze Pond. There would be 14 floors, each of which would have a distinct village feel. Another new development would be having the radio therapy village on the second floor, as these facilities were normally located in the basement. The design of the building featured balconies, plants and lots of greenery. The public spaces around the building were designed to open up the urban realm: there would be shops selling products needed by, or of interest to cancer patients, and there would also be a coffee shop. In terms of the energy supply and sustainability, it was envisaged that most patients using the centre, would access it by public transport which was very good in the location. Karen drew people’s attention to the feedback form on the website, and encouraged attendees to make comments on the proposals.
For more information go to: http://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/news-and-events/2012-news/20120416-cancer-centre-consultation.aspx