4 September 2009
A free course to help local people deal with the devastating effects of cancer is being launched by experts at Epsom Hospital.
The eight-week course, called 'Learning to live with cancer', offers practical advice and emotional support to cancer patients and their loved ones as they come to terms with the illness.
Tarlika Patel, a Macmillan Cancer Information Manager said: "Sadly, one in three people will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lifetime and it has a tremendous impact on their lives. This course has been designed to help people touched by cancer by exploring issues such as dealing with their diagnosis and the side effects of their treatment.
"We ran a similar course in spring of this year which was a very positive experience for all those involved, including patients, carers, relatives and friends. Although it's not strictly a support group, it does offer people a raft of helpful information, including specialist techniques on how to cope with the illness."
The course is open to anyone whose life has been affected by cancer and will also explore the various types of treatment available for cancer, diet and nutrition, talking about cancer, relaxation and art therapy. The aim of the course is to help patients' to better understand their disease, which in turn should reduce their anxiety and fear.
The course will run on Wednesday afternoons from 2pm until 4pm from the 23 September to 11 November 2009 at the Macmillan Butterfly Centre, Epsom Hospital.
To book a place, please contact Pam Battell or Tarlika Patel on 01372 735456 or email tarlika.patel@esth.nhs.uk before 16 September.
