HEALTHCARE ESTATES IHEEM AWARDS 2023
during eight gruelling chemotherapy treatments, and 15 consecutive cycles of radiotherapy. Their resources offered me a lifeline, equipping me with knowledge about my condition, and the available treatment options. However, more than that, they gave me hope and reassurance – connecting me with the community of individuals with similar experiences. “Through their support groups,” Alison
Ryan continued, “I had the comfort of knowing that I wasn’t alone on my journey. Lymphoma Action’s commitment to research and education ensures advancements in the field. They are trying to improve diagnosis, treatment outcomes, and ultimately the quality of life for every person affected by this disease. Their efforts bring solace to patients and families alike, offering them a sense of empowerment, and keeping them informed about the latest developments. This is a personal plea to support and recognise the important role of Lymphoma Action, and the profound impact it has on the lives of those affected by it. In doing so, we contribute to a future where no one has to face Lymphoma alone, and where every person affected by the disease can find solace, support, and hope, just as they did for me. I will now hand over to Professor John Radford, the charity’s President, and Director of Research at The Christie in Manchester.”
Professor’s high-profile role Professor Radford said: “Good evening everybody. It’s a pleasure to be here as the IHEEM guest on the Institute’s 80th anniversary; that’s quite a moment. Thank you very much, Alison, for that great introduction. I’m Professor of Medical Oncology at the University of Manchester and at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, and it’s my pleasure and honour to be President of Lymphoma Action. Over the next 2-3 minutes I’d like to explain a little bit about what Lymphoma is, and what Lymphoma Action does. I will then show you a short video by somebody affected directly by the disease, and the help they received from Lymphoma Action.” Prof. Radford continued: “Lymphoma, or lymphatic cancer, is the UK’s fifth most common cancer, affecting children, teenagers, young adults, older adults, and other people There are many sub- types, but the two main such sub-types are Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, which tends to affect younger people, and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, which generally affects slightly older people, although all age groups can be affected by both types. Some types are potentially curable; others are not, and some are very rapidly fatal unfortunately. “A huge amount of research is going
on,” Prof Radford continued, “and this has been very effective in developing new treatments over the last two three decades; we are thus in a much better
38 Health Estate Journal November 2023
Dr PL Yuen received his Lifetime Achievement Award from IHEEM CEO, Pete Sellars.
position now than we were then. However, a diagnosis of Lymphoma can affect any part of the body – including the lymph nodes, the brain, the liver, the bone marrow, the lungs, and the skin. As Alison explained, that can have a devastating impact on people’s wellbeing and mental health. What Lymphoma Action does is provide information and support, a website that people can look to, information booklets they can refer to, and a phone helpline. In addition, it provides training for healthcare professionals for whom the cancer may not be their main area of work. The charity also gets into the field of policy – in terms of supporting new treatments as they go through the NICE process and other regulatory points. That’s it in a nutshell.” Dinner guests were then shown a video
from a man who had been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma during 2021; he admitted he hadn’t been aware of the cancer up until that point. He was told by the hospital that investigated a number of ‘suspicious’ symptoms that he had a 9.5 cm mass on his chest. He said: “They were 95% certain at that point that it was Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, but they needed to do a biopsy. In my own mind I was very worried about any form of cancer diagnosis, and about it spreading everywhere.” The individual interviewed, Ben, admitted his subsequent treatment and recovery saw him go through a very tough time, but he had been very appreciative throughout for all the help and support he had received from Lymphoma Action. In summing up following the video
Prof. Radford told dinner guests: “So, as you have heard, it’s not just about the treatment, but also about supporting people through to the other side.” He added: “And it’s interesting, because a lot of people say to me having Lymphoma
changed them – for the better; they really understand the importance of life and of living each day and – as it were – helping others to make that journey. That’s what Lymphoma Action does: it helps people with Lymphoma get to the other side.” The Professor then encouraged all the dinner guests to contribute via the QR code on page 8 of the awards programme, and thanked the audience for listening.
Lymphoma – UK’s fifth most common cancer Lymphoma Action says that among the priorities in combating Lymphoma are earlier and faster diagnosis, addressing workforce shortages, giving patients access to the right treatment and post- treatment support, reducing inequalities in care, and preserving the UK’s status as a world-leader in cancer research. It says better treatment will help many more people with Lymphoma to survive longer than before. The five-year survival rate has risen by nearly a third since the 1970s, and treatment options continue to expand, with the number of targeted therapies and personalised medicines growing. However, the charity says it also wants a greater focus on developing better, gentler treatment and care, and quicker access to treatment. Following the Professor’s presentation,
Andy Powell thanked him for attending the dinner, and asked guests to give generously to the charity, which they were able to do immediately by scanning the QR code within their event booklet. He said: “Please donate as generously as you can, because every penny counts.” The evening’s collection raised £790 for Lymphoma Action. After the conclusion of the charity
presentation and appeal, guests enjoyed a three-course dinner and drinks – at the end of which – before the awards presentation
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