A self help group for people
with Colorectal Cancer (often known as bowel cancer), their families and carers.
We are here for
anyone who lives in Somerset or who is receiving their treatment in the county.
PATIENT SUPPORT/ 'BUDDYING'
Patients in our group provide a telephone support service to other patients. We are trained to do this by
Macmillan Cancer Care, to ensure that we provide the best possible support to other patients in a way which
is appropriate both for them, and for us.
Macmillan is running a further session of training in Wells later in the year especially
for us and our members.
Refreshments will be provided and there is no charge.
If you would like to take part in this course, with a view to supporting other patients, please contact
Annie Lanigan to register your interest, on 01460 259836 or by email at lanigan@lanigans.co.uk
Macmillan recommend that patients do not provide this kind of telephone support until two years
after their own surgery.
Shepton Mallet Colonoscopies - Bowel Cancer Patient Concern
SCCSG has received the following advice -
The likelihood is that the majority of colonoscopies performed at Shepton have been done perfectly well.
Concern amongst patients is understandable and any questions / worries they have should be directed through
their GP in the first instance. GP's will decide, (based on reason for referral for colonoscopy, health
before and after colonoscopy, continued symptoms, etc.) whether to refer to a local hospital for
consideration of further colonic investigation.
If patients have had colon cancer operations and surveillance colonoscopies in Shepton, it would be reasonable
to contact their local surgical team / Colorectal specialist nurse directly if they have any concerns.
Colonic polyp surveillance patients of concern should probably have repeat colonoscopies, depending on previous
degree of polyposis, to ensure everything is up to date. This should also be arranged via their GP.
A Telephone Helpline has been set up for concerned patients - 0800 412 5575
Anyone who has had a diagnosis of colorectal (bowel) cancer or who cares for someone with the disease may join or
receive support from the Somerset Colorectal Cancer Support Group.
For further information on how the SCCSG can help - please contact:
Annie Lanigan (Chair and Trustee)
info@somersetbowelcancer.org.uk
If you want to speak to someone by phone, call 01823 342452. One of the Colorectal Nurses will arrange for an appropriate
member of the support group to contact you.
Further details about the Somerset Colorectal Cancer Support Group and its activities will be
placed on this page as they become available.
Please come back and check for updates soon. |
