CampaignsHealthcare RationingCancer Screening & TreatmentHelp Carol find a cure for kidney cancer Help Carol find a cure for kidney cancer
By Tony Watts - Editor - 14/03/2008
The James Whale Fund for Kidney Cancer is about to undertake the first ever patient survey into kidney cancer in the UK - and they need your help to reach people who have been touched by kidney cancer.
TV presenter Carol Vorderman has come out in support of this survey: “My mother had a malignant tumour removed from her kidney last year. It was still at Stage One but we were the lucky ones. She had to have a scan for a hernia and the consultant spotted the tumour even though it was relatively small and not the specific area of medical concern at the time. For his insight, and the consequent care she received my brother, my sister and I remain eternally grateful.
“Sadly, many others have not been as lucky as my Mum.
“The statistics are astounding. Over 6,000 new cases of kidney cancer are found in the UK every year. This number is on the increase. Tragically more people are killed by kidney cancer every month than on the roads of Britain. Astonishingly we all know the amounts of money and research put into safety on our roads and yet safety for your kidneys is relegated to a minor role comparatively.
“As a consequence people need to know what to watch out for. They need to know the symptoms, pre and post diagnosis, so that they may be as fortunate as my Mum and catch it in the early stages.
“I'm pleading therefore to those who have the disease, people who care for people with the disease or people who have family members or friends who have the disease to go to the web site or write to us and share with us 20 minutes of your time. It may seem like a small thing to do but it really could help save many lives, even those of your own family.”
To take part in this survey visit www.jameswhalefund.org where you will find a link on the welcome page for “Patient Survey”. Or send your name and full postal address, indicating gender, age and whether you are a patient or carer to: James Whale Fund for Kidney Cancer, 46-48 King Street, Cambridge CB1 1LN or phone 01799 585 033.