TCSGW has now been in operation for 10 years. We aim to provide help and support for thyroid cancer patients and their families. We are all volunteers and strive to make a difference to people faced with the challenge of a cancer diagnosis.
The Group are not only invaluable at providing support through our buddy system to newly diagnosed patients who are about to embark on treatment but we have made numerous improvements to the experiences of patients undergoing treatment in the isolation cubicles by brightening up the rooms and enhancing the facilities on offer. We provide attractive tranquil gardens outside the isotopic rooms - response to this has been fantastic and it has been superb to have this hard work acknowledged with Garden in Bloom awards.
We also provide the funding to purchase additional patient information booklets and were the first group to produce a DVD to demonstrate what radioactive iodine treatment involves here at the Velindre Cancer Centre, Cardiff.
Both of these additions have significantly helped to improve what can be a most daunting experience for patients diagnosed with thyroid cancer. As well as our local work we also have a national and international presence which is invaluable. We have provided consumer feedback to clinicians involved in the development of national guidelines, clinical trial protocols and patient information resources.
We attend conferences and help to promote the importance of patient support groups, locally, nationally and internationally. We are a member group of the Thyroid Cancer Alliance ensuring that patients here in Wales have a voice and a presence on the world wide stage.
In 2013 we decided to fund a research project that Dr Moss was trying to launch across the UK - iNATT is based at the Velindre Cancer Centre Cardiff.
Thyroid Cancer Awareness week began in 2000 (initiated by ThyCa). In 2003, it expanded to the whole month of September. Early detection, along with expert care and increased research will hopefully lead to cures for all types of thyroid cancers.
Thyroid cancer is on the increase. It can affect people of all ages, from young children to seniors. 75% of patients are women. Thyroid cancer is very challenging and stressful both for patients and for their loved ones. As with most cancers early detection is very important.
If you find a lump in your neck get it checked!
We try in our awareness raising activities to educate so that people have a greater understanding of this condition. We encourage people to support and participate in our activities - together we can make such a difference!
We try and ensure that we communicate - with patients, with health professionals and with other patient support groups. We sincerely hope that through our efforts a greater awareness will eventually result in a thyroid cancer free future!
TCSGW is a registered charity in England and Wales (number 1113774).
We are very grateful to BTCT for allowing us to use their disclaimer. Butterfly is a patient support organisation for Thyroid Cancer, families and friends.
We are the only registered charity in Wales supporting this rare form of cancer l Tel: 0845 009 2737 l Registered Charity No 1113774