CANCER STORIES
A cancer diagnosis can be a lonely place. We know that it can be a real comfort to hear from other people’s lived experiences. Here are some real life stories from people who have been affected by cancer. These stories can also be found on the cancer specific pages, which you can find here.
We also have a variety of podcasts, from our own You CANcervive series, or the Cancer Journeys series produced by Jacqui Drake, as well as the podcasts provided by the West Yorkshire & Harrogate Cancer Alliance. You can hear all of our podcasts here.
Marilyn’s story – breast cancer
It was Summer 2004, and life was slowly starting to return to normal. I had been through a very traumatic time after my husband John passed away suddenly and unexpectedly in December 2001 at only 55 years old. On top of that, we ran an insurance business together,...
Linda’s story – lymphoma
Linda first met our chairman, Stewart, and fellow Champion Caroline at a Cancer SMART stall in Leeds Marketplace. What started as a quick chat soon turned into a heartfelt conversation. Stewart’s words made her laugh, cry, and—most importantly—feel hopeful. That day,...
Twins both diagnosed with testicular cancer
Twins Ryan and Sean Collard from Hetton-le-Hole, Tyne & Wear were both diagnosed with testicular cancer within weeks of one another. They have both survived the shocking disease - and set up a men's health Instagram page called 'Cancer Lads' to raise awareness and...
Jamie’s story – melanoma
Jamie Sutcliffe has always been an active guy, with hobbies such as cycling and running, but he has never been one for sunbathing or foreign holidays. That’s why he was surprised to discover that he had melanoma skin cancer at only 25 years of age. Here he tells his...
Stewart’s story – volunteering
Dr Stewart Manning may be a retired GP, but he certainly isn't one for putting his feet up. Not only is he chairman of Yorkshire Cancer Community, and an active Cancer Champion, going into the community and sharing our Cancer SMART message, he also volunteers for...
Linda’s story – bowel cancer
A bowel cancer screening test saved my life Having worked in cancer research for most of her career, Linda Wilkinson was very aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease. “I considered myself to be very healthy. I never smoked, I hardly drank alcohol and I was...
Catherine’s story – thyroid cancer
Up until this year, I had no idea really what a Thyroid did. I knew it was in your neck, I didn’t know what it looked like, but I knew that a lot of people suffer with thyroid related problems and that it can be quite debilitating. September is Thyroid Cancer...
Steve’s story – testicular cancer
Testicular cancer survivor urges men to be aware of the symptoms and to seek prompt help A man who was diagnosed with testicular cancer five years after first experiencing a dull ache in his groin is urging men with concerns to see their GP, to be persistent and not...
Julie’s story – lymphoma
If you have ever joined a Bradford and Pennine Breast Screening awareness talk, you cannot help but be inspired by presenter Julie Stein Hodgins. Down to earth and approachable, Julie talks to hundreds of women each year, and a fair few men, not only about breast...
Stephen’s story – prostate cancer
This is my journey with prostate cancer, detailing how I transformed from a retired individual leading a quiet, unremarkable life into a passionate cancer advocate. My current role is not a result of what went well during my cancer journey, but rather what went awry...
Ronnie’s story – prostate cancer
My name is Ronnie Gelder, I was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer on 28 July 2016 and on 20 August I had a prostatectomy. Before I was discharged from hospital, I asked about clinical trials. I spoke with my oncologist and at the end of October I started trials...
Michael’s story – bowel cancer
Cancer Champion Michael Barton, a 64-year-old bus driver, originally from Bradford, tells why he decided to volunteer for Yorkshire Cancer Community. In 2017, Michael’s partner, Marie, was struggling with repeated chest infections, the couple didn’t expect to be told...
Fran & Vicky’s stories – Living with secondary breast cancer
Secondary breast cancer is when cancer cells from a cancer that started in the breast, spread to other parts of the body. The cancer that started in the breast is called primary breast cancer. Secondary breast cancer is also called advanced breast cancer or metastatic...
Paula’s story – breast cancer
Breast cancer – it’s not just about the lumps and bumps Former MP Paula Sherriff knows only too well that detecting breast cancer isn’t just about finding a lump. As a women’s health campaigner, Paula, is aware that any changes that are unusual and persistent,...
Trevor’s story – liver cancer
I went to my own wake – and it’s a night I will never forget When Bradford man Trevor Sugden was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer, one of his first reactions was to ask his consultant what he could do to help. The retired contracts manager says that his positive...
Claire’s story – cervical cancer
I missed my smear test because of Covid – Cancer Champion Claire Stewart talks about how her diagnosis with cervical cancer has led to her passion to raise awareness. For busy mum of three Claire Stewart, missing out on a smear test didn’t seem the end of the...
Katie’s story – cervical cancer
Katie Storey I was always up to date with my smear tests and even remember ringing the GP just before turning 25 asking if they could book me in. All my smears were fine until I turned 31. My results following this showed as HPV positive - which by all accounts isn't...
Zoe’s story – cervical cancer
Cancer Champion Carol Beardmore explains what motivates her to speak out about cervical cancer and campaign for better access to screening for people with learning disabilities and autism When there’s a problem some people walk away and some people roll up their...
Arzoo’s story – young person’s bone cancer
Young cancer patient achieves her goal A studious Dewsbury teenager missed more than a year’s worth of school when she was diagnosed with bone cancer, but still managed to achieve a First-Class Honours degree in Pharmacy when she graduated last year. ...
Ric’s story – lung cancer
Retired welding engineer Ric Myers from Leeds is passionate about raising awareness of lung cancer. Ric, who is a Champion with the Cancer SMART initiative which we run in partnership with the West Yorkshire & Harrogate Cancer Alliance, was keen to be interviewed...
David’s story – kidney cancer
When retired senior manager David Blunt spotted blood in his urine, he said he was a ‘typical man’ and ignored the signs. David, who lives outside Huddersfield in rural South Kirklees, first noticed the signs in February last year, but dismissed them as ‘just a drop...
Rob’s story – head and neck cancer – vocal chord
Rob Husband almost lost his voice to cancer – before he found it again – this time as a patient advocate. In 2017, Rob, who lives in lovely countryside outside of Huddersfield, was living life to the full. He worked as a Contracts Manager in the construction industry....
Huma’s story – thyroid cancer
Huma Akhtar was diagnosed with thyroid cancer when she was just 25-years-old. Here’s her story: “I noticed a swelling on my neck one day and arranged an appointment with my GP. He had a feel of my neck stated that I had an oversized thyroid gland, so he took some...
Mariam’s story – breast cancer
All her life, Mariam Jandad from Batley, has been used to pushing through barriers to achieve her goals. As a young schoolgirl, she wanted to pursue studies in interior design, but ended up going into a clothing factory, which was seen as acceptable work for a woman,...
Tracey’s story – breast cancer
Mother of two, Tracey knew something was wrong when she started to experience severe aches and pains and visited her GP. Tracey, who lives near Pontefract, West Yorkshire, spent 18 months visiting her GP surgery with various vague symptoms which included aches and...
Karen’s story – breast cancer
Wakefield woman Karen Kilcommons spotted our flyer appealing for Cancer Champions and decided she would like to volunteer. After being diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2018, Karen learned it had spread to her lymph nodes and liver, meaning she will be on...
Sandra’s story – bowel cancer
Teacher Sandra Hudson is a terminal bowel cancer patient being treated at the Bexley Wing at St James’s in Leeds. She loved her job, but had to retire on ill health grounds. In January 2017 she had a prolapsed womb meaning that in April she had to have a hysterectomy....
Noel’s story – bowel cancer
During Lockdown I became reacquainted with a wonderful blog which proved the perfect antidote to the coronavirus craziness going on in the world. Stripey Anne’s Blog – the ramblings and rants about something and nothing is a delightful and joyful account by Anne...
Kate’s story – bowel cancer
One of the key messages of the Cancer SMART initiative, that we are currently delivering with West Yorkshire and Harrogate Cancer Alliance, is to be aware of unusual and persistent changes to your body, and contact your GP if you are concerned. Kate Bartholomew, a...
Rian’s story – acute myeloid leukaemia
Rian Harvey may only be 22-years-old but he is wise beyond his years. Positive, upbeat, inspirational…a young man on a mission to talk to as many people as possible about cancer and tackle a few myths in the process. That’s why he made a perfect guest for You...
Steve’s story – acute myeloid leukaemia
Gamers Beat Cancer “Let’s Have More Game On, Than Game Over” Being diagnosed with cancer is a lonely time. Receiving hospital treatment – often in isolation – leaves the patient disorientated and removed from contact with normal life. In March 2019, Steve Bracewell’s...
Jayne’s story – lymphoma
I am Jayne, I am 61 years old and live just outside Bradford in the village of Wilsden. I am a Keighley girl (If I can still be classed as a girl at my age?) and am a single parent to two girls, Lisa 40, who is married and lives in Keighley, with her husband Andrew...
Karen’s story – ovarian cancer
Sunovary – a new group for Ovarian Cancer patients Former NHS worker Karen Varley said her whole life has been ‘tinted’ by cancer – with her mum, a grandparent and other relatives all receiving a cancer diagnosis. Karen who lives near Wakefield, was diagnosed...
Gill’s story – ovarian cancer
Pet cat Humbug was the cat-alyst to get a GP check up When ovarian cancer patient Gill Kelly’s story first appeared in her local newspaper, she became a media star overnight. “ A media frenzy broke out with local and national papers all wanting an interview as well...
Andrew’s story – pancreatic cancer
A lifelong Grimsby Town fan is used to attracting stares thanks to the "daft" pink inflatable he always carries with him before games. Andrew Markham, 64, from Brigg, North Lincolnshire, greets fans heading to Blundell Park with the strange object. It is something he...
Janet’s story – pancreatic cancer
New adventures were beckoning for Janet Pawelec, who was looking forward to retiring from her stressful and demanding job managing an Ambulance Control Room in York to spend more quality time with her husband, a former paramedic. But before she had the chance to put...
Karen’s story – pancreatic cancer
Know your body and be aware of any changes that are unusual for you – that’s the message from Karen Stead as she recalls being diagnosed for pancreatic many years ago. Back in 2010, she had been feeling ‘pretty rubbish’ and feeling sickly, severe abdominal...
Gordon’s story – prostate cancer
A health check saved my life - Canon Gordon Dey Retired Canon (Church official) Gordon Dey was moving house from one area of Bradford to another part of the city when he was called for a well man check. The check-up was part of the induction to join his new GP...
Owen’s story – prostate cancer
My story – Owen Davies When my ‘Bloods’ results came back, and my brilliant new doctor told me there were a couple of things he wanted to check and probably rule out. A scan and a biopsy later, the specialist passed me onto the nurse at the Centre with the news...
Richard’s story – prostate cancer and throat cancer
I’ve had cancer twice – but I was very lucky they both could be treated when caught early Keen sportsman Richard Seddon arrived for our interview in Leeds on one of the hottest days of the year looking a picture of health despite having cycled 12 miles from his Yeadon...
Denton’s story – prostate cancer
When Sheffield man, Denton Wilson was recovering from prostate cancer treatment, he decided to grow his hair, as a symbol of getting back to good health. Now more than 20 years later, he has shaved off his dreadlocks to raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK. Denton...
Kevin’s story – melanoma
Stories of Cancer and Hope IT worker Kevin, an ambassador for Melanoma UK, has compiled stories from patients and their families about their experience of cancer. He has compiled a book called Stories of Cancer and Hope, to bring hope and comfort to those living with...
James’s story – oesophageal cancer
On a road to self-destruction – before being diagnosed with cancer Bradford man, James Barraclough was on a road to self destruction before his cancer diagnosis. Facing redundancy and a relationship breakdown and struggling to pay his mortgage, he began to depend...
Bob’s story – oesophageal cancer
A cancer journey - seen through a lens For passionate photographer and community artist Bob Clayden there was never any doubt about how he would make sense of a cancer diagnosis. When facing life’s difficulties, Bob from Pontefract, West Yorkshire, says he...
Catherine’s story – thyroid cancer
Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month is an important one for me and so when I was approached to share my story again this month, I jumped at the chance. Since I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2021, I have become a little bit obsessed with checking people’s necks. If...
Maria’s story – breast cancer
When Maria Elliott was diagnosed with breast cancer five years ago, she found the friendships she made at the time were a lifesaver. “I met like-minded people at Breast Cancer Haven in Leeds. We really bonded and it was like a virtual hug, helping you through,” she...
Nicola’s story – cervical cancer
Referrals to cancer services were drastically reduced during lockdown as many patients decided to put off seeking help for health concerns until the pandemic was over. One Northallerton mother of three, is determined to do all she can, to raise awareness of the need...
Julie’s story – breast cancer
Bradford mother of one, Julie Norman will be forever grateful to the NHS. During Covid-19 she was rapidly fast tracked by GP referral to diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer. She’s telling her story because she’s aware that people stopped going to their doctors...
Mammograms – mysteries and myths
I’m a monitored Cancer patient. Part of my monitoring is an Annual Mammogram. I was due to have it during the last week of March; but that was just as “Lockdown” was set in place. Quite a challenging time for all of us; my thoughts kept coming back to my cancelled...