Untold Cancer Stories

Healing through the power of words

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Today, Feb 4th, 2024, marks a significant day in the global fight against cancer - it’s World Cancer Day.  And I’m on a mission to help raise awareness by supporting those affected by this life-altering disease. It’s crucial to acknowledge the emotional toll that accompanies a cancer diagnosis, particularly for women facing the challenges of midlife and a life threatening illness.

Amidst the whirlwind of emotions - anger, frustration, overwhelm, and fear experienced by those navigating the turbulent waters of cancer, there exists a powerful tool for healing - therapeutic journaling.  

It’s not only transformational for those living with cancer but for their nearest and dearest it becomes a much needed outlet for unwanted emotions. I speak from experience as someone who has loved ones living with cancer. When it’s your parents and best friends suffering, huge waves of helplessness, of feeling scared and sad leaves you with a heavy heart. For me the page became a balm for my soul. Through the practice of putting pen to paper, I learnt how to channel my emotions, finding solace, clarity and strength in the process of journaling. Because the experience was so transformational, I became a therapeutic journaling coach, and I know it’s a journey of life long learning into lifestyle medicine. I now know teaching therapeutic journaling is my calling, it has become my mission in life.

For those living with cancer, finding avenues to express and process these complex feelings can be immensely beneficial.  That’s why I, alongside a dear friend

Julie

who understands firsthand the challenges of battling an aggressive form of stage 3 breast cancer, invite you to join us for a special zoom meet up next Tuesday and Thursday at 11am.

During these 30 minute sessions, we’ll share our personal stories, offer insights into the transformative power of therapeutic journaling and provide a supportive space for questions and discussions.  Whether you’re currently undergoing treatment, in remission, or supporting a loved one through their journey, we welcome you to join us in exploring the healing potential of “Rage on a Page”. You can read more about Julie’s story here Beyond Cancer

If you or someone you know could benefit from this opportunity for connection and empowerment, please share my Substack and encourage them to join our community.

Cancer Research UK wrote an interesting article Improvements in cancer survival have slowed They mention the good news first, that more people are surviving their cancer today than ever before.  

In 2018, half (50%) of people diagnosed with cancer in the UK were expected to survive their disease for 10 years or more, compared to around a quarter (24%) in the early 1970s.  

However, this new analysis suggests that this progress has slowed.  

Survival increased three to five times faster between 1970 and 2000, compared to the improvement since 2010. Meanwhile, cancer survival for common cancers in the UK consistently lags behind comparable countries. 

Now more than ever, I hope that we can come together as a local, global community and raise more awareness, offer to be there to support and share the many untold cancer stories, because every single one of those stories matter. I hope you can join Julie and I on either the 6th or 8th Feb. It would be so lovely to meet you.

Until the next time

Take care and stay safe xx