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April 15-16, 2019 | Frankfurt, Germany
Oncology Nursing and Cancer Care
16th International Conference on
Journal of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics | Volume 4
"Hoping for the best and preparing for theworst"- Understanding the needs of people
living with treatable but not curable cancer and developing solutions for choice and
support for people
Dany Bell
Macmillan Cancer Support, UK
In England at least 17,000 people who have
survived for two years or more after being
diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. The figures are
based on people in England who were diagnosed
with one of ten common types of cancer between
2012 and 2013, and still alive at the end of 2015.
This is the first time that data showing the number
of people in England living several years after being
diagnosed with stage 4 cancer has been available.
These figures highlight the changing nature of
cancer. There are now thousands of people who
have been diagnosed with the most advanced stage
of cancer as new and improved treatment means
they are able to live for several years. Patients who
previously had more limited options now see their
cancer becomemore ‘treatable’ andmanageable, like
other chronic illnesses. However, these patients often
face a complex range of issues, including living with
uncertainty over how their cancer will progress, and
having to make difficult decisions about potentially
life-extending treatment that effects their quality of
life. Coping with the physical symptoms of cancer,
having multiple hospital appointments, scans and
treatment options to contend with, there’s also
the emotional and psychological impact of having
an uncertain future. Carol, 55, from London was
diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in 2015. She
says: “Since my diagnosis, I have learnt how to
adjust and come to terms with my new self. I am still
Carol - a mother, wife, sister, friend and colleague.
I am learning to live with a progressive disease
and uncertainty every day. Research highlighted
patient views around language often used and
how it disempowers them. Research to identify this
emerging cohort of patients as well as solutions as
to how to provide greater choice and support in the
face of great uncertainty. This includes:
• Data from England on the numbers of people
living with treatable but not curable cancer
• Insight from Macmillan Cancer Support’s
strategic work in this field
• Findings from a UK ethnographic study
commissioned by Macmillan Cancer Support,
looking at the experiences of professionals
and people living with incurable cancer and
the missed opportunities for shared decision
making and advance care planning. This will
include some case study videos
• Debateon the languageandhowtodescribe this
emerging field alongside existing terminologies
used such as supportive, palliative and terminal
care
Speaker Biography
Dany Bell is Specialist Advisor for Treatment and Recovery at Macmillan
Cancer Support. She is a Registered General Nurse with 31 years’
experience in the NHS. Has a Diploma in Palliative Care and Master
of Science Degree in Pain Management. During her career she has
clinically managed a surgical oncology ward, hospice ward, has
experience as a clinical nurse specialist in specialist palliative care as
well as being lead clinical nurse for a hospital specialist palliative care
team. Has undertaken senior management roles in the NHS including
lead cancer nurse and cancer manager as a joint role; as well as a
head of operations role for an acute trust. She has been employed by
Macmillan since April 2014. In her current role she advises Macmillan
on strategic direction and provides insight and expertise across
treatment and recovery thematic areas.
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