Express reporter Robert Fisk is an inspiration to us all. Three and a half years ago he was diagnosed with incurable bowel cancer. Last week he was told by a doctor that his latest scan results had flagged up something that requires further investigation. That has meant further worry for Robert and his family. It has been down to them to deal with the worry and stress of it all.
And that is exactly why determined Robert, despite often feeling unwell through regular chemotherapy, launched his Cancer Care campaign to get better mental health support for sufferers like himself.
On Wednesday, Robert, 47, was undergoing another round of chemo, so he was unable to attend the London Press Club Awards at Stationers’ Hall to collect a well-deserved Special Campaigning Award for his amazing efforts.
His Express colleague Rob Virtue went along to collect the prestigious award on his behalf from former Sunday Express editor David Wooding and read out a message from Robert to the assembled media dignitaries.
The message read: “For me the point of journalism is to make a difference in people’s lives, whether that be letting them know about corrupt politicians, how wars thousands of miles away will affect their future, or whether the latest kebab shop in their area is worth the hype.
“And that’s why I started the Daily Express’s Cancer Care campaign. Cancer is the worst thing that most people will go through in their lives, but too often the NHS and the Government have failed to see that mental health issues are one of the main side-effects, both during and after treatment.
“For far too long, people have been diagnosed with cancer and then are expected to deal with the anxiety, the fear, and the not-knowing themselves effectively without any support. I’m absolutely delighted that, thanks to the campaign, the Government recognised this and is working to put mental health support at the heart of the treatment hospitals give to cancer patients.
“Sadly the statistics suggest that half of the people in this room will get cancer at some point in their lives. Instead of being like me and ignoring the signs something is wrong, get anything you are worried about checked out by your GP as soon as possible. And if you can’t get an appointment, switch into journalism mode and turn it into a story – or even a campaign.”
There have been promises Robert’s Cancer Care approach will be adopted in the government’s cancer plan but we wait with bated breath. For Robert that extra emotional support cannot come soon enough.
Earlier this week Robert wrote an article for the Express on how he is hoping not to die by Christmas.
In it he signs off by saying: “We at the Daily Express have said that cancer patients need mental health support both during and after treatment.
“Their mental health needs should be at the forefront of their oncology team’s minds throughout the battle with the devastating disease.
“This should be integral to the Personal Cancer Plan, which former health secretary Wes Streeting pledged back in February.
“But time is marching on and we now need Yvette Cooper to step up and show us the detail. She must take Wes’s words and turn them into action.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
