Issue 8 contents

Welcome to i can

Comment
Making it work better
David Bloomfield
Cancer doctors want the same as patients and their relatives. We want timely diagnosis, prompt treatment in pleasant surroundings with information and emotional support, so that we can give the service that we or our family would expect ourselves..

Editor's letter
When cancer hits home
Jean Mossman
As the National Cancer Director, Mike Richards, reported in the last issue, the NHS Cancer Plan is three years old and much has been achieved by its implementation. A summary of the achievements was published by the government in its report Maintaining the Momentum last October.

Treatment
How scans work for you
Paul Goddard
Most of us have had an X-ray at some time, but we are less familiar with tests that involve a scan. Professor Paul Goddard explains what they are and how they work.

Treating blood cancers
Gareth Morgan
Blood cancers are not a single disease but a collection of related cancers. Professor Gareth Morgan explains what they are and the therapies used to treat them.

My cancer journey
ëThe worst time was not knowing if it had spreadí
Jean Mossman
Fighting for your life can take on a different perspective when you are just 22. Heather Perkins tells Jean Mossman what it meant for her

Practical issues
How to pay less for your NHS prescriptions
Rachel Gordon
Prescription charges continue to rise, but there is a way to ease the cost of regular payments

Facing cancer treatment with confidence
Caroline Rippier
Women cancer patients get a real morale boost through these special beauty workshops

Research
Living with cancer
Michael Baum
Professor Michael Baum explains his novel idea for treating breast cancer cells and how it will mean that patients can learn to live with their disease

Emotional support
Overcome anxiety
Nicky Lidbetter
What could be more stressful than being given a diagnosis of cancer? Nicky Lidbetter discusses ways of learning how to handle the anxiety that results

Your NHS
Getting better access to cancer information
Katie Burall, Amanda Ramirez
The Cancer Services Collaborative has a mission to demystify the route through diagnosis and treatment for cancer patients. So how well is it doing?

FAQs
Professor Hilary Thomas has the answers

Resources
Support group contacts
Medical terms explained