My rare cancer battle was darkest time of my life — NHS change is vital

The darkest time in my life was when I was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma (a rare and aggressive affecting the muscles, bones, and soft tissues in the body). Hearing those words, “You’ve got cancer,” terrified me, and I struggled to process the implications of the disease, its daunting survival rates, and the potential impact on my family. My cancer treatment lasted 15 months, during which time I underwent numerous rounds of chemotherapy and several life-changing surgeries. Each day was a battle with horrendous, painful side effects that impacted almost every part of my body. But, while I attempted to stay strong, I also found myself grappling with cancer-related mental issues that completely blindsided me.

Unexpectedly, panic attacks would strike, leaving me gasping for breath and consumed by fears that made each moment unbearable. My room, usually a safe, healing space, increasingly felt like a prison, closing in and suffocating the life out of me. My moods would swing like a pendulum; one minute, I was coping well enough; the next, I’d be grief-stricken. At first, I couldn’t fathom why my emotions were all over the place. It was entirely out of character for me. But, I soon learned a few things about the and how it tackles mental health issues among cancer patients.

What shocked me was the lack of prior warnings about the psychological impact of cancer treatment. My doctors and nurses never mentioned that the physical battle with cancer could weave such a profound emotional thread into the fabric of my cancer journey.

You see, the unfortunate reality is that mental health frequently takes a backseat in the realm of cancer care. While NHS oncologists are focused on the “physical” body, from eradicating cancer cells and shrinking tumours to conducting numerous tests, they often neglect to identify or address the profound emotional and psychological toll that a diagnosis can impose on patients.

And so they’re missing something here because cancer is not just a physical battle; it’s filled with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty. Patients often grapple with feelings of isolation, depression, and much more.

The overwhelming nature of a cancer diagnosis and cancer care can lead to emotional trauma that, if left unaddressed, hinders your quality of life and the overall success of your medical treatment.

So, what’s the answer? The NHS should incorporate comprehensive mental health assessment and support into its cancer care framework.

This must begin at the onset of treatment (and throughout a patient’s treatment cycle) rather than waiting until someone is knee-deep into their care.

For example, when a patient is initially admitted, their healthcare team should engage in detailed discussions beyond just the treatment’s physical side effects.

These conversations ought to explore the emotional impacts that the cancer diagnosis and treatment can bring. NHS healthcare providers should take the time to assess the patient’s mental wellbeing, acknowledging feelings such as fear, anxiety, or depression that may arise.

By recognising and addressing these emotional aspects alongside a physical treatment plan, the healthcare team will create a more holistic, and dare I say it, more effective and winning approach to cancer care.

This is why I’m backing the Daily Express’s Cancer Care campaign to ensure patients receive mental healthcare both during and after their treatment.