New! Magazine & Macmillan - Encouraging People To Talk

Check out this week's edition of New! Magazine. As part of Macmillan's campaign to get people talking about Cancer, there is a double spread in this week's copy about my story. From the day I was diagnosed at 16, to where I am today, it describes the pain of treatment, from losing my friends, to the amazing support I have today from new friends, colleagues, my family and boyfriend. Cancer patients know there is no beginning and end to having this disease, but I hope that by sharing my story in National Publications such as this, I am able to show people that being diagnosed with cancer isn't always a life sentence, and even if sometimes it seems that way, there are ways you can help yourself, and others, even if it is just by talking about it.

Thank you to New! Magazine and Macmillan, for giving me the chance to share my story, I hope it offers comfort and advice to those who read it. And I hope it is successful in Macmillan's mission to get others to speak about their experiences too, no two cancer patients have exactly the same story, we can learn so much from just talking...

Kiss From A Rose - Extract 3 - My Biggest Battle, Losing My Hair

The third extract I have chosen describes the most painful part of my battle, losing my hair. At the age if 16 I was devastated to be told my hair would fall out as a side effect from my chemo, at a time when I wanted to go out with my friends, get to know boys, and take pride in my appearance I felt incredibly robbed of normality. Losing your hair is such a physical effect of the medication, it makes it abundantly clear to everyone that you are ill. Even if you are having a good day, with no hair, eyebrows or eyelashes, every time you walk past a mirror or glance at your reflection there is no escaping the reality. Here is how I felt when, after a a few weeks on chemo, I came face to face with my nightmare.


My Biggest Battle, Losing My Hair

Are They Finally Starting To Listen?

Natasha Vince in The Mirror

There is an article in the paper today, finally raising awareness about Oncology waiting times on the NHS and GPs' reluctance to recognise the possibility of Cancer amongst young adults and children. The Mirror has a two page spread about the importance of medical staff sitting up, and listening to young people when they complain of pains and discomfort. But the blame is placed completely on shoulders of the Government, and the cuts made by the coalition this year. Not entirely fair I feel, as this has been an ongoing problem for years. Certainly when I was initially diagnosed in 2001 Labour was in power, and Britain was enjoying reasonably economic stability - to the public's knowledge anyway. So where else should we be looking? Who else should we be telling to open their eyes? How about the doctors?! The people we turn to when we become aware there is something wrong, when we need reassurance, when we need help. It is these people that often present our first hurdles, who turn us away and tell us nothing is wrong, who encourage us to carry on with life and ignore the problem. It seems that rather than make a referral, many would rather make a mistake! And GP's must be made accountable for these mistakes, one in six young people are diagnosed with cancer everyday in the UK now, everyday! These statistics are too significant to ignore, and if it is a matter of educating our doctors, young and old, then it must be done, too many teens and children are being denied the chance to fight.

BBC News 24 Interview

Natasha Vince on the BBC

A further interview on the BBC about the recent report from Cancer Research into the benefits of eating right and exercising more in the fight against Cancer.