Friday 20 September 2024
The discussions centred on the devastating impact cancer can have on mental health, and how to support those dealing with anxiety and depression after a diagnosis.
Experts in cancer care and people with lived experiences of cancer came together to discuss how, for many people living with cancer, the mental struggle of dealing with the diagnosis is harder than the physical impact of surgery and treatment.
As part of the event, Maggie's aired the above video, filmed in Maggie's centres in Wales, with testimonials of cancer patients and healthcare staff.
The panel discussion also underlined how mental health should be a part of basic healthcare.
Left to right: Julie Morgan MS, Matt Johnson, Dr Russell Banner, Sarah Beard, Dr Sian Williams and Marcus Grodentz
The panel event, organised by Maggie's, was chaired by journalist and counselling psychologist Dr Sian Williams, and was sponsored by Member of the Senedd for Cardiff North Julie Morgan.
They were joined on the panel by:
Marcus is a life coach and public speaker with incurable prostate cancer. He has been supported by expert staff at the Maggie’s centre in Cardiff.
I was diagnosed with depression after my diagnosis, and it is hardly surprising.
He continued: “Mental health is a huge part of a cancer diagnosis.
“My diagnosis turned my life on its head – in a moment, I had to stop exercising the way I did, I suffered extreme fatigue, and my once healthy sex life stopped.
“Going to Maggie’s helped me feel like I could cope with what’s happening to me. It was a relief to speak to others and know that I wasn’t alone, that there were others going through the same as me.”
Maggie’s provides free professional support with expert psychologists and cancer support specialists, as well as group sessions and workshops for people with cancer and their family and friends.
There are two existing Maggie’s centres in Wales – in Cardiff and Swansea – and third centre is being built at Ysbyty Glan Clywd in North Wales, which will open in 2025.
The new centre is designed, commissioned and funded by the Steve Morgan Foundation, who has pledged £4 million.
In October 2023, players of People’s Postcode Lottery raised an incredible £1m for the new Maggie’s centre in Cardiff.
Thanks to the generosity of players of People’s Postcode Lottery, Maggie’s has received nearly £27 million since 2008, yet the majority of funding for Maggie's comes from voluntary donations.
Dr Sian Williams said: “I've worked in cancer care as a counselling psychologist and have lived experience of the disease. I know what a difference the right support can make.
Cancer is not only physical – it affects us emotionally too.
“My first training placement was at a Maggie's centre. Their holistic, bespoke, compassionate care for everyone who walks through their doors is extraordinary and life changing.”
Matt Johnson said: “I know first-hand how hard it can be to cope with depression. But to add a cancer diagnosis and treatment into the mix must have a huge impact on recovery.
“It was really interesting to hear all the different perspectives on the panel, and it was also heartening to hear of the growing understanding that mental health needs to be a core part of the cancer care process.”
Sarah Beard said: “We know how hard the mental challenge of cancer can be, and that some people even think it is harder than the physical.
“I am so delighted everyone came together today in Wales to shine a spotlight on the impact of cancer on mental health.
“It is so important we have psychological and emotional support as part of basic healthcare.”
Julie Morgan said: “It has been an immense privilege to showcase what Maggie’s has to offer at The Senedd today.
“Every one of our constituents will be affected by cancer, either directly or indirectly, and it is so important to highlight the mental health challenges that can run alongside that.
“The support that Maggie’s provides to people with cancer is invaluable, and I’m so proud to have a centre in my constituency.”
Maggie’s worked in partnership with the People’s Postcode Lottery and the Steve Morgan Foundation to bring this event to The Senedd.
Last review: Sep 2024 | Next review: Sep 2027
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