Lesley Smith
@lesleysmith.bsky.social
Lead at NHS England for #LivingWithAndBeyondCancer.
Trustee of the Pelvic Radiation Disease Association PRDA.org.uk | Views my own | Quality of life really matters
Trustee of the Pelvic Radiation Disease Association PRDA.org.uk | Views my own | Quality of life really matters
Pinned
Lesley Smith
@lesleysmith.bsky.social
· Jan 14
Reposted by Lesley Smith
Can the new cancer plan truly improve outcomes, reduce inequalities and put patients first?
From early diagnosis to prevention and workforce support, The King's Fund CEO Sarah Woolnough outlines 10 tests for success.
Read more: https://bit.ly/487hdke
From early diagnosis to prevention and workforce support, The King's Fund CEO Sarah Woolnough outlines 10 tests for success.
Read more: https://bit.ly/487hdke
Ten Tests to Ensure The Cancer Plan Improves Lives | The King's Fund
The upcoming cancer plan is a chance to turn ambition into real progress. Will it improve outcomes, reduce inequalities and put people at the heart of cancer care?
www.kingsfund.org.uk
November 11, 2025 at 6:59 PM
Can the new cancer plan truly improve outcomes, reduce inequalities and put patients first?
From early diagnosis to prevention and workforce support, The King's Fund CEO Sarah Woolnough outlines 10 tests for success.
Read more: https://bit.ly/487hdke
From early diagnosis to prevention and workforce support, The King's Fund CEO Sarah Woolnough outlines 10 tests for success.
Read more: https://bit.ly/487hdke
Reposted by Lesley Smith
Our online 'Chat Together' peer support group offers a safe space for people living with #PelvicRadiationDisease to connect💙
📆 3rd Tuesday each month at 12:30
For more information visit 👉prda.org.uk/chat-together/
#RTLateEffects #CancerQualityOfLife #LivingWithAndBeyondCancer
📆 3rd Tuesday each month at 12:30
For more information visit 👉prda.org.uk/chat-together/
#RTLateEffects #CancerQualityOfLife #LivingWithAndBeyondCancer
Chat Together
Join our safe and supportive chat together group sessions.
prda.org.uk
November 11, 2025 at 7:25 PM
Our online 'Chat Together' peer support group offers a safe space for people living with #PelvicRadiationDisease to connect💙
📆 3rd Tuesday each month at 12:30
For more information visit 👉prda.org.uk/chat-together/
#RTLateEffects #CancerQualityOfLife #LivingWithAndBeyondCancer
📆 3rd Tuesday each month at 12:30
For more information visit 👉prda.org.uk/chat-together/
#RTLateEffects #CancerQualityOfLife #LivingWithAndBeyondCancer
Reposted by Lesley Smith
Calling all Clinician and AHPs 👨⚕️ 👩⚕️
Apply for our free 18-month flagship Clinical Champions Programme. Become a leader in transforming care and support for men impacted by prostate cancer.
Apply today 👉 bit.ly/46I5Fn9
Apply for our free 18-month flagship Clinical Champions Programme. Become a leader in transforming care and support for men impacted by prostate cancer.
Apply today 👉 bit.ly/46I5Fn9
November 10, 2025 at 9:02 PM
Calling all Clinician and AHPs 👨⚕️ 👩⚕️
Apply for our free 18-month flagship Clinical Champions Programme. Become a leader in transforming care and support for men impacted by prostate cancer.
Apply today 👉 bit.ly/46I5Fn9
Apply for our free 18-month flagship Clinical Champions Programme. Become a leader in transforming care and support for men impacted by prostate cancer.
Apply today 👉 bit.ly/46I5Fn9
Reposted by Lesley Smith
Patients with newly diagnosed #multipleMyeloma experience a high symptom burden before and after chemotherapy. Precise management of symptoms at multiple stages of treatment are essential.
https://bit.ly/4qFPyyc
#myeloma
https://bit.ly/4qFPyyc
#myeloma
Interventions for Symptom Clusters May be More Effective in Newly Diagnosed MM - Oncology Nurse Advisor
Researchers suggest that tailoring interventions to symptom clusters and chemotherapy course may be best management strategy.
bit.ly
November 10, 2025 at 6:07 PM
Patients with newly diagnosed #multipleMyeloma experience a high symptom burden before and after chemotherapy. Precise management of symptoms at multiple stages of treatment are essential.
https://bit.ly/4qFPyyc
#myeloma
https://bit.ly/4qFPyyc
#myeloma
Reposted by Lesley Smith
Physical activity, particularly at a consistent level in line with guideline recommendations, significantly reduces both risk of and mortality from digestive system #cancers. Published in @jamaoncology.com.
https://bit.ly/3WDdULm
#gicancer #gicsm
https://bit.ly/3WDdULm
#gicancer #gicsm
Consistent Physical Activity Reduces Risk of Digestive System Cancers, Research Suggests
Alongside reducing body mass index, “physical activity may have systematic anticancer effect, such as improving insulin sensitivity, reducing hyperinsulinemia, lowering systemic inflammation, and enhancing immune function,” researchers reported.
bit.ly
November 9, 2025 at 6:42 PM
Physical activity, particularly at a consistent level in line with guideline recommendations, significantly reduces both risk of and mortality from digestive system #cancers. Published in @jamaoncology.com.
https://bit.ly/3WDdULm
#gicancer #gicsm
https://bit.ly/3WDdULm
#gicancer #gicsm
Reposted by Lesley Smith
On the BBC News front page, you can find out how two prisoners were accidentally released last year, about a TV celebrity's cancer surgery, and about how to make veggie meatball soup
But no mention AT ALL of the COP30 climate summit
I am lost for words
www.bbc.co.uk/news
But no mention AT ALL of the COP30 climate summit
I am lost for words
www.bbc.co.uk/news
Home - BBC News
Visit BBC News for up-to-the-minute news, breaking news, video, audio and feature stories. BBC News provides trusted World and UK news as well as local and regional perspectives. Also entertainment, b...
www.bbc.co.uk
November 8, 2025 at 3:51 PM
On the BBC News front page, you can find out how two prisoners were accidentally released last year, about a TV celebrity's cancer surgery, and about how to make veggie meatball soup
But no mention AT ALL of the COP30 climate summit
I am lost for words
www.bbc.co.uk/news
But no mention AT ALL of the COP30 climate summit
I am lost for words
www.bbc.co.uk/news
This sounds hopeful from Jim Mackey in HSJ re shifting funding to community based services that prevent admissions. If achieved, this will help efforts to reduce the impact of cancer & its treatment, through preventative & proactive care that improves QoL & reduces crises & use of hospital beds
November 7, 2025 at 5:42 PM
This sounds hopeful from Jim Mackey in HSJ re shifting funding to community based services that prevent admissions. If achieved, this will help efforts to reduce the impact of cancer & its treatment, through preventative & proactive care that improves QoL & reduces crises & use of hospital beds
Reposted by Lesley Smith
Coming up next week! MASCC Webinar: The Hidden Burden: Understanding and Treating Cancer Fatigue
Speakers:
Prof. Florian Scotté
Ms. @evaschumacherwulf.bsky.social
Prof. @andreaschs.bsky.social
Dr. Kim Wijlens
Dr. Martina Pagliuca
Register: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Speakers:
Prof. Florian Scotté
Ms. @evaschumacherwulf.bsky.social
Prof. @andreaschs.bsky.social
Dr. Kim Wijlens
Dr. Martina Pagliuca
Register: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
November 6, 2025 at 2:25 PM
Coming up next week! MASCC Webinar: The Hidden Burden: Understanding and Treating Cancer Fatigue
Speakers:
Prof. Florian Scotté
Ms. @evaschumacherwulf.bsky.social
Prof. @andreaschs.bsky.social
Dr. Kim Wijlens
Dr. Martina Pagliuca
Register: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Speakers:
Prof. Florian Scotté
Ms. @evaschumacherwulf.bsky.social
Prof. @andreaschs.bsky.social
Dr. Kim Wijlens
Dr. Martina Pagliuca
Register: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
See thread 👇
“The combination of comorbidities with the highest risk of hospital admission was cancer, CKD, CVD & T2DM. This group had an 11x higher risk of hospital admission than people with no long term conditions, after adjusting for age, sex, ethnic group, & index of multiple deprivation” 👀
“The combination of comorbidities with the highest risk of hospital admission was cancer, CKD, CVD & T2DM. This group had an 11x higher risk of hospital admission than people with no long term conditions, after adjusting for age, sex, ethnic group, & index of multiple deprivation” 👀
The annual ‘winter pressures’ season is upon us. A year ago a cohort study in BMJ Medicine highlighted the role of multimorbidity on winter hospital admissions. Let’s take a look. 🧵
November 6, 2025 at 3:07 PM
See thread 👇
“The combination of comorbidities with the highest risk of hospital admission was cancer, CKD, CVD & T2DM. This group had an 11x higher risk of hospital admission than people with no long term conditions, after adjusting for age, sex, ethnic group, & index of multiple deprivation” 👀
“The combination of comorbidities with the highest risk of hospital admission was cancer, CKD, CVD & T2DM. This group had an 11x higher risk of hospital admission than people with no long term conditions, after adjusting for age, sex, ethnic group, & index of multiple deprivation” 👀
“If these findings are confirmed by future, more definitive studies…”
What would a more definitive study be? An RCT where you are randomised to being lonely?😭
I am joking of course, but it always seems that #LivingWithAndBeyondCancer research must pass some unattainable bar before being accepted
What would a more definitive study be? An RCT where you are randomised to being lonely?😭
I am joking of course, but it always seems that #LivingWithAndBeyondCancer research must pass some unattainable bar before being accepted
Cancer is a very stressful disease, not only physically but also psychologically. A meta-analysis now shows that patients who have to endure this stress alone are more likely to die than those who have a supportive social environment.
doi.org/10.1136/bmjo...
doi.org/10.1136/bmjo...
Impact of loneliness on cancer mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Objective Loneliness and social isolation can have profound emotional and psychological impact on patients with cancer. Previous studies suggest loneliness may adversely impact cancer prognosis and su...
doi.org
November 5, 2025 at 9:09 PM
“If these findings are confirmed by future, more definitive studies…”
What would a more definitive study be? An RCT where you are randomised to being lonely?😭
I am joking of course, but it always seems that #LivingWithAndBeyondCancer research must pass some unattainable bar before being accepted
What would a more definitive study be? An RCT where you are randomised to being lonely?😭
I am joking of course, but it always seems that #LivingWithAndBeyondCancer research must pass some unattainable bar before being accepted
Key issue for people diagnosed with cancer, their partners, family and work colleagues
Charlie Mayfield's Keep Britain Working report out today.
It sets out a clear case for better workplace health support, and a call to action for employers to lead the charge.
V. important with over 4 million workers now with work-limiting health conditions
www.gov.uk/government/p...
It sets out a clear case for better workplace health support, and a call to action for employers to lead the charge.
V. important with over 4 million workers now with work-limiting health conditions
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Keep Britain Working Review: Final report
Keep Britain Working is an independent review of the role of employers in tackling health based economic inactivity and promoting healthy and inclusive workplaces.
www.gov.uk
November 5, 2025 at 8:55 PM
Key issue for people diagnosed with cancer, their partners, family and work colleagues
Reposted by Lesley Smith
All patients having major cancer treatment should be offered group education where the elements of prehab are explained e.g. surgery school @macmillancancersupport #prehabilitationguidelines @junedavis.bsky.social #worldcongressofprehabilitation
November 5, 2025 at 4:47 PM
All patients having major cancer treatment should be offered group education where the elements of prehab are explained e.g. surgery school @macmillancancersupport #prehabilitationguidelines @junedavis.bsky.social #worldcongressofprehabilitation
Reposted by Lesley Smith
It is with profound sadness we share that our beloved founder, Jo Taylor, has died. A fearless advocate and beacon of hope for those with Metastatic Breast Cancer - her legacy of courage, advocacy, and change will live on. 💗
#JoTaylor #METUPUK #LegacyOfChange #MBC
#JoTaylor #METUPUK #LegacyOfChange #MBC
November 4, 2025 at 2:27 PM
It is with profound sadness we share that our beloved founder, Jo Taylor, has died. A fearless advocate and beacon of hope for those with Metastatic Breast Cancer - her legacy of courage, advocacy, and change will live on. 💗
#JoTaylor #METUPUK #LegacyOfChange #MBC
#JoTaylor #METUPUK #LegacyOfChange #MBC
Incredibly powerful story - read this to understand the serious long term impact that cancer treatment can have on health and wellbeing.
🙏 thank you for sharing Ellie
#LivingWithAndBeyondCancer
🙏 thank you for sharing Ellie
#LivingWithAndBeyondCancer
Life after cancer can bring long-term challenges. Ellie’s story highlights the importance of joined-up, compassionate care for those living with late effects of pelvic radiotherapy.
👉 https://www.prda.org.uk/ellies-story/
#PelvicRadiationDisease #Oncology #EveryStoryEveryVoice
👉 https://www.prda.org.uk/ellies-story/
#PelvicRadiationDisease #Oncology #EveryStoryEveryVoice
November 3, 2025 at 11:45 PM
Incredibly powerful story - read this to understand the serious long term impact that cancer treatment can have on health and wellbeing.
🙏 thank you for sharing Ellie
#LivingWithAndBeyondCancer
🙏 thank you for sharing Ellie
#LivingWithAndBeyondCancer
Reposted by Lesley Smith
A question I ask in the context of chronic health conditions is:
What do you need to be more at peace?
Most responses fall into two themes: (1) is about access to medical care when needed; & (2) is about being heard & understood.
Both of these seem do-able, but sadly in reality are often missing.
What do you need to be more at peace?
Most responses fall into two themes: (1) is about access to medical care when needed; & (2) is about being heard & understood.
Both of these seem do-able, but sadly in reality are often missing.
November 3, 2025 at 8:43 PM
A question I ask in the context of chronic health conditions is:
What do you need to be more at peace?
Most responses fall into two themes: (1) is about access to medical care when needed; & (2) is about being heard & understood.
Both of these seem do-able, but sadly in reality are often missing.
What do you need to be more at peace?
Most responses fall into two themes: (1) is about access to medical care when needed; & (2) is about being heard & understood.
Both of these seem do-able, but sadly in reality are often missing.
“Cancer pain is often undertreated, with patients frequently referred late to specialist services. This study aimed to develop expert-led recommendations to address unmet needs in the management of persistent severe cancer pain”
#CancerQualityOfLife
#CancerQualityOfLife
New open-access article in Supportive Care in Cancer: Multidisciplinary management of persistent severe cancer pain: a collaborative European approach
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
#SuppOnc
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
#SuppOnc
November 3, 2025 at 7:45 PM
“Cancer pain is often undertreated, with patients frequently referred late to specialist services. This study aimed to develop expert-led recommendations to address unmet needs in the management of persistent severe cancer pain”
#CancerQualityOfLife
#CancerQualityOfLife
Reposted by Lesley Smith
It’s a good lesson for all of us to try to live with contradictions and uncertainties.
2/5
2/5
November 3, 2025 at 9:54 AM
It’s a good lesson for all of us to try to live with contradictions and uncertainties.
2/5
2/5
Reposted by Lesley Smith
Around 300,000 people a year leave work and become economically inactive with a work-limiting health condition.
We are calling for government and employers to act early when health issues arise – not wait until people have already left work ⬇️
https://bit.ly/49eqR5V
We are calling for government and employers to act early when health issues arise – not wait until people have already left work ⬇️
https://bit.ly/49eqR5V
November 3, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Around 300,000 people a year leave work and become economically inactive with a work-limiting health condition.
We are calling for government and employers to act early when health issues arise – not wait until people have already left work ⬇️
https://bit.ly/49eqR5V
We are calling for government and employers to act early when health issues arise – not wait until people have already left work ⬇️
https://bit.ly/49eqR5V
Reposted by Lesley Smith
Before we see out October, this month has also risen awareness about domestic abuse.
The Macmillan Domestic Toolkit is an invaluable resource to help identify and support those with cancer experiencing domestic abuse.
www.macmillan.org.uk/dfsmedia/1a6...
#WithSurvivors
@ukons.bsky.social
The Macmillan Domestic Toolkit is an invaluable resource to help identify and support those with cancer experiencing domestic abuse.
www.macmillan.org.uk/dfsmedia/1a6...
#WithSurvivors
@ukons.bsky.social
October 31, 2025 at 10:56 PM
Before we see out October, this month has also risen awareness about domestic abuse.
The Macmillan Domestic Toolkit is an invaluable resource to help identify and support those with cancer experiencing domestic abuse.
www.macmillan.org.uk/dfsmedia/1a6...
#WithSurvivors
@ukons.bsky.social
The Macmillan Domestic Toolkit is an invaluable resource to help identify and support those with cancer experiencing domestic abuse.
www.macmillan.org.uk/dfsmedia/1a6...
#WithSurvivors
@ukons.bsky.social
Reposted by Lesley Smith
At CPOC we develop guidelines with multiprofessional input that include recommendations for each stage of the pathway.
➡️Anaemia
➡️Frailty
➡️OSA
➡️Diabetes
Guidelines: shorturl.at/2jonl
➡️Anaemia
➡️Frailty
➡️OSA
➡️Diabetes
Guidelines: shorturl.at/2jonl
Guidelines
Guidelines developed by CPOC and in partnership with other organisations
shorturl.at
October 31, 2025 at 11:24 AM
At CPOC we develop guidelines with multiprofessional input that include recommendations for each stage of the pathway.
➡️Anaemia
➡️Frailty
➡️OSA
➡️Diabetes
Guidelines: shorturl.at/2jonl
➡️Anaemia
➡️Frailty
➡️OSA
➡️Diabetes
Guidelines: shorturl.at/2jonl
Reposted by Lesley Smith
Our online 'Chat Together' peer support group offers a safe space for people living with #PelvicRadiationDisease to connect💙
📆 1st Wednesday each month at 7pm
For more information visit 👉prda.org.uk/chat-together/
#RTLateEffects #CancerQualityOfLife #LivingWithAndBeyondCancer
📆 1st Wednesday each month at 7pm
For more information visit 👉prda.org.uk/chat-together/
#RTLateEffects #CancerQualityOfLife #LivingWithAndBeyondCancer
Chat Together
Join our safe and supportive chat together group sessions.
prda.org.uk
October 29, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Our online 'Chat Together' peer support group offers a safe space for people living with #PelvicRadiationDisease to connect💙
📆 1st Wednesday each month at 7pm
For more information visit 👉prda.org.uk/chat-together/
#RTLateEffects #CancerQualityOfLife #LivingWithAndBeyondCancer
📆 1st Wednesday each month at 7pm
For more information visit 👉prda.org.uk/chat-together/
#RTLateEffects #CancerQualityOfLife #LivingWithAndBeyondCancer
Reposted by Lesley Smith
Five Key Supported Self
Management Skills are:
- Goal setting / action planning
- Pacing daily activities
- Problem solving
- Meaningful movement
- Having a setback plan
#InspireSelfMgt
Management Skills are:
- Goal setting / action planning
- Pacing daily activities
- Problem solving
- Meaningful movement
- Having a setback plan
#InspireSelfMgt
October 29, 2025 at 4:51 AM
Five Key Supported Self
Management Skills are:
- Goal setting / action planning
- Pacing daily activities
- Problem solving
- Meaningful movement
- Having a setback plan
#InspireSelfMgt
Management Skills are:
- Goal setting / action planning
- Pacing daily activities
- Problem solving
- Meaningful movement
- Having a setback plan
#InspireSelfMgt
Reposted by Lesley Smith
Hospices in England are cutting hundreds of beds and staff because of a funding crisis, despite a sharp rise in demand for palliative care, a damning report warns.
Hundreds of hospice beds and staff cut in England amid funding crisis
National Audit Office reports nearly two-thirds of independent hospices in deficit in 2023-24 as demand increases
www.theguardian.com
October 29, 2025 at 7:26 AM
Hospices in England are cutting hundreds of beds and staff because of a funding crisis, despite a sharp rise in demand for palliative care, a damning report warns.
Reposted by Lesley Smith
"I DON'T NEED YOU TO FUCKING REWRITE WHAT I'VE JUST WRITTEN!"
October 28, 2025 at 10:46 AM
"I DON'T NEED YOU TO FUCKING REWRITE WHAT I'VE JUST WRITTEN!"
The post below says “a trend towards progression-free survival” but the article itself (once you get past the “shows potential” headline) ACTUALLY SAYS “did not lead to significantly improved progression-free survival”
What are we meant to believe?
What are we meant to believe?
#ESMO25: A trend toward improved progression-free survival was observed with the IO102-IO103 #CancerVaccine plus pembrolizumab vs pembrolizumab alone in the IOB-013/KN-D18 phase III #ClinicalTrial in untreated advanced #melanoma.
#ESMODailyReporter🔗 https://ow.ly/QxxW50XijYT
#ESMODailyReporter🔗 https://ow.ly/QxxW50XijYT
October 28, 2025 at 10:12 PM
The post below says “a trend towards progression-free survival” but the article itself (once you get past the “shows potential” headline) ACTUALLY SAYS “did not lead to significantly improved progression-free survival”
What are we meant to believe?
What are we meant to believe?