Cancer Alliance publishes ‘Blood Cancer and Me’ short film series
Each year around 1,150 people in Kent and Medway are diagnosed with blood cancer*.
Blood cancer is the UK's third biggest cancer killer**. However, awareness and understanding of blood cancer are much lower than for other types of cancer.
This September - Blood Cancer Awareness month - Kent and Medway Cancer Alliance (KMCA) is publishing a series of short films: 'Blood Cancer and Me'.
In his own words, Mark Chandler, a 49-year-old dad from Folkestone, who is living with a rare type of blood cancer called acute myeloid leukaemia (AML)***, shares his experience.
Over the series of six short films, Mark tells his story of diagnosis, treatment, experimental chemotherapy, a stem cell transplant and remission.
Mark, who was 47 when diagnosed, and at one point was told he had two to four weeks to live, is sharing his story to raise awareness of blood cancer and the impact on both patients and families.
'Worry and confusion'
Mark said: “I didn't have too much understanding about cancer and even less about blood cancer.
“I didn't even realise leukaemia was blood cancer. I had no real comprehension of that.
“Immediately it was worry and questions about mortality - in my head and to the consultant as well.”
Watch Blood Cancer and Me
To watch the Blood Cancer and Me film series and hear Mark's moving account visit the Blood Cancer and Me page on the Kent and Medway Cancer Alliance website.
Running a half marathon
Next week, Mark is running in the Cardiff Half Marathon, with a team raising funds for charities Cure Leukaemia and Anthony Nolan, which found the donor for his stem cell transplant.
Mark said: “The thing that strikes me most is how lucky I am!
“Firstly, to have been able to have had a stem cell transplant from a donor who was registered on the Anthony Nolan stem cell register.
"Secondly, my donor had markers that were a 100 per cent match in every required area.
“Thirdly, I've been given a second chance at life and the impact this had had on me.'
"In plain and simple terms, if it wasn't for Anthony Nolan and the stem cell register they operate and manage, I would not be here today!”
Find out more about Anthony Nolan on the charity's website.
Working with Cure Leukaemia
Mark is also working with Cure Leukaemia, a charity which funds world-leading networks that are transforming how blood cancer patients can access cutting-edge treatments through clinical trials.
The charity is dedicated to supporting innovative leukaemia research, improving patient outcomes, and driving breakthroughs in blood cancer care.
Mark said: “Cure Leukaemia is a charity and organisation that is very close to my heart - for obvious reasons.
“Every 27 seconds someone in the world is diagnosed with blood cancer.
"Cure Leukaemia funds research nurses and clinical roles at blood cancer centres across the UK, providing patients - both adults and children - with access to innovative and potentially life-saving treatments through clinical trials.”
Find out more on the Cure Leukaemia website: www.cureleukaemia.co.uk
'Here for This' campaign
KMCA's sharing of Mark's story coincides with Blood Cancer UK's 'Here for This' campaign.
The 'Here for This' campaign aims to help more people understand the impact blood cancer can have on every aspect of life, from diagnosis and treatment through to living with uncertainty, recovery and loss.
You can find out more about blood cancer and how to join the Here for This campaign on the Blood Cancer UK website.
Blood cancer symptoms
There are different types of blood cancer, each with different symptoms.
People may experience a range of symptoms, including:
- unexplained
- weight loss
- bruising or bleeding
- fever (37.5°C or above)
- rash or itchy skin.
- lumps or swellings
- shortness of breath
- drenching night sweats
- persistent, recurrent or severe infections
- pain in your bones, joints or stomach area
- fatigue - tiredness that doesn't improve with rest or sleep.
- paleness (pallor) - if you gently pull down the lower eyelid, the skin inside looks white or pale pink instead of dark pink or red.
If you are at all concerned about your health, contact your GP practice.
GP Primary Care Clinical Lead for Kent and Medway Cancer Alliance Dr Jonathan Bryant said: "Blood cancer is the UK's third biggest cancer killer, yet its symptoms are easily missed.
"If you are experiencing unexplained fatigue, persistent infections, unusual bruising, or drenching night sweats, please don't wait.
"As your GP, I want to hear about it. A simple blood test could save your life."
Acute myeloid leukaemia
Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a type of blood cancer that starts from young white blood cells called granulocytes or monocytes in the bone marrow.
Find out more about AML on the NHS website www.nhs.uk/conditions/acute-myeloid-leukaemia/ and Cancer Research UK website Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) | A type of blood cancer
Sources
- *Based on 2018-2022 data. Cancer Registrations, National Disease Registration Service
- ** Blood cancer facts on Blood Cancer UK
- *** Acute myeloid leukaemia - NHS
Notes to editors:
- For further information on the Blood Cancer and Me film series and interview requests, including with Mark Chandler, please email the Kent and Medway Cancer Alliane team at mtw-tr.englandkmcanceralliance@nhs.net
- More information on Kent and Medway Cancer Alliance is available on the website www.kentandmedwaycanceralliance.nhs.uk
- For media inquiries to the charities mentioned, please use the following contact details:
- Blood Cancer UK: Email: MediaandComms@bloodcancer.org.uk
- Anthony Nolan: Email press@anthonynolan.org or phone 020 7424 1300
- Cure Leukaemia: Phone 07715 711671.