Radiotherapy UK with the GI clinical oncology team at the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust have said they want to start a conversation on what is regarded as one of the most under-talked-about cancers.
The aim among charities and clinicians is to create a full care pathway through and beyond cancer.
Sarah Quinlan, of Radiotherapy UK, said: “Late effects from cancer can emerge months or even years after treatment finishes, significantly affecting quality of life, independence and a person’s well-being.
“We want a well-resourced, multidisciplinary late effects service so patients don’t feel forgotten about after their treatment ends.”
Trish is, similarly, calling for a clinic to deal with the after-effects of pelvic radiotherapy.
“During my treatment, my GP was a lifeline, kind and willing to help. But after the treatment ended it became painfully clear that the system wasn’t built to support the complexity of long-term side effects associated with pelvic radiotherapy and I was left to navigate everything alone,” Trish said.
She said coping with incontinence pads, nappies and dilators designed to stretch vaginal tissue was all “devastating”.
“My stomach became so swollen from chronic constipation and weight gain that when I looked in the mirror I was looking at someone I no longer recognised,” Trish said.