Please note that theOesophageal Cancer Fund (OCF) will host a support meeting for local people affected by oesophageal cancer on the 28th of Sept 2024. Details below.
Cork cancer support meeting for those affected by oesophageal cancer
Date: Saturday 28th Sept 2024, 11am – 2pm
Location: ClaytonSilver Springs Hotel, Tivoli, Cork, T23 E244
Register: by emailing info@ocf.ie NO FEE to attend
There are a number of free places still available for a support meeting for local people affected by oesophageal cancer, being hosted by the Oesophageal Cancer Fund (OCF) on Saturday 28th September 2024 in the Clayton Silver Springs Hotel from 11am to lunchtime. People can register on ocf.ie and the charity is using this opportunity to remind people about the symptoms of and lifelong challenges with this cancer.
The aim of this meeting, which is one of five OCF regional meetings in 2024, is for people affected by oesophageal cancer to meet others who are down the road in their recovery from this difficult cancer. Speakers include those with expertise and experience of this cancer discussing practical issues like the challenges of diet, sleep and exercise post-surgery. Recovery post surgery and treatment usually involves a new diet in terms of the volume and frequency of food, given the smaller size of their stomach post an oesophagectomy, as well as coping with the requirement to sleep in an upright position. The agenda includes guest speakers:
Dr Lisa Loughney, Irish Cancer Society – The Benefits of Exercise.
Professor Jacintha O’Sullivan, St. James’ Hospital and Trinity College and Lorraine Smith, Ph.D. Student under the All-Ireland Cancer Network will talk about Research underway.
A number of patients will share their lived experiences, including a quick-fire on diet tips, along with a demo of electric and adaptable beds and pillows.
Unfortunately, Ireland still has one of the highest rates of oesophageal cancer in Europe with over 500 people diagnosed each year. Oesophageal cancer is the sixth leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide and is more common among men than among women by a ratio of 3 to 1. However, OCF wants to remind people that the early signs of oesophageal cancer are easy to overlook, and many people could be tempted to dismiss what can seem to be digestive complaints. Primarily, these symptoms include difficulty swallowing food, persistent acid indigestion, heartburn and reflux and unexplained weight loss. Unfortunately, approximately 70% of patients experience these symptoms for 3 months before contacting their GP and OCF is urging people to go to their GP early and to be proactive about their health.
According to Carmel Doyle, CEO of OCF, whose husband is in recovery from this cancer since 2011:
“The aim of these local meetings is for people affected by oesophageal cancer to meet others who are in similar situations, while providing practical information post-surgery, as there can be lifelong implications for survivors of this cancer in relation to diet, exercise and sleep. Most importantly though, getting together like this as a community, reminds everyone affected by this difficult cancer that they do not walk alone. There is always a real sense of hope and healing when we get together and we’d like to encourage more people to get in touch with OCF for support.”
The Oesophageal Cancer Fund (OCF) is the national charity providing support for people diagnosed with oesophageal cancer, while driving awareness of the symptoms and funding research to improve early detection and survival rates. More information on www.ocf.ie
Further information: Carmel Doyle 087 2473537 or Anthony Doran 086 4542713