AUSTRIA

Ilse (multiple myeloma and breast cancer)

17 years ago I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, an incurable cancer of the plasma cells. I had never heard of this cancer before and was lucky to have a doctor who did not let me fall in a deep black hole. He also got me interested into cancer support group work. I have been off treatment for the last two years. But then during my check up another cancer was found – breast cancer. My experience with Multiple Myeloma has equipped me also to deal with this cancer. In 2003 we started the first Multiple Myeloma support group in Austria.

BELGIUM

Frank (brain tumour - glioblastoma multiforme)

In 1997 I was affected by sudden epileptic fits. The origin: a high grade brain tumour, glioblastoma multiforme. After surviving and recovering for a few years, I felt ready to take up a new responsibility: together with 20 other patients, their families and a complete medical staff we founded “Werkgroep Hersentumoren”, Study Group Brain Tumours Belgium. We work on information, contacts and quality of treatment and support for brain tumour patients and their families and also for the medical staff. We also were involved when the Belgian “National Cancer Plan” was formulated. We feel that national cancer plans are important for strategically tackling the complexities of cancer.

BULGARIA

L. (cervical cancer)

My name is Lilyana. I am 49 years old. I had Cervical cancer when I was too young. I take successful treatment in 1996 with the most amazing oncologist-gynecologist. Every single day I give reliable support to the young women when they meet this virus. I say them that they have to believe that everything depends on them and their specialists.

CYPRUS

Panayiotis (colorectal cancer)

I was first told there that there was something wrong with my bowels in November 1997, but I could not have a colonoscopy then, as I had had open heart surgery shortly before. Finally in May 1998 I had the colonoscopy which showed that there was a tumor in the bowels which was immediately removed by suregery. The diagnosis was early cancer and I was fortunate enough not to need any radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Since then I have been followed up regularliy and I feel very well at the age of 75. My message to everybody is: closely observe and listen to your body, especially if there is a sudden change in your bowel habits and if necessary talk to your doctor. Cancer is neither incurable nor invincible!

CZECH REPUBLIC

Petra (chronic myeloid leukaemia)

At the age of 27, having just learned that I was pregnant, the happiness my husband and I felt at this wonderful news lasted just a couple of weeks. Blood tests revealed that I had chronic myeloid leukaemia. I made the difficult decision not to do anything that could affect the baby I was carrying and postponed my own treatment. It cost me a lot of strength, but I was rewarded with my little son, Vojtíek, whom I carried to the full term. Then after the childbirth, I started with a targeted molecular therapy, which I have been following for the second year now and with excellent results.

DENMARK

Cathie (breast cancer)

I was born in Australia in 1938, but Denmark is now my home. When my left breast was removed because of breast cancer 12 years ago, I found help through a group formed to counsel and support women with breast cancer. Now I am a member of this group, DBO (Danish Breast Cancer Organisation), which works to increase awareness and improve treatment in Denmark, with emphasis on screening of all women, centralised treatment to international standards and physical therapy as an integral part of breast cancer treatment.

ESTONIA

Maret (breast cancer)

I am the mother of two children. I am a professional photographer. Four years ago I had breast cancer. I was then 24 years old and 8 months pregnant. This was very hard time for my family. Now I am healthy and I have a fantastic son. I spend a lot of time with my family and I'm very happy every day with them. I am an example that breast cancer can also touch young people. If breast cancer touches you very closely, it's important not to loose hope and believe in yourself. If you have some problems or questions, please, contact your doctor.

FINLAND

Hannu (prostate cancer)

I was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in 1998 when I was 53 years old. I was symptomless, but because my elder brother had some years earlier been diagnosed with PC, my careful GP ordered a PSA-test in connection along with other blood tests. My basic treatment was radical external radiation therapy. I am by profession a lawyer but have been working as a private entrepreneur in the building construction branch. Since 2002, I have been working as a full time Executive Director of the Finnish Prostate Cancer Association, PROPO, and the last three years I have been also a vice-chairman of Europa Uomo, our European umbrella organisation. In 2003 my cancer relapsed, but with intermitted medication the disease has stayed under good control and I live a full life without significant problems or side-effects.

FRANCE

Estelle (gastrointestinal stromal tumour)

When I was diagnosed with GIST in 2004, there was absolutely no information available for patients regarding this very rare type of digestive cancer and its possible treatments. "GIST: Orphan Cancer" was the only definition I was given when I asked to the French National Cancer Institute. I was then 29 years old. I could not satisfy myself with this as I strongly needed to know what I would have to fight, how I could keep my hope and fully express my "fighting spirit". I guess it had to be the same for my peers, therefore, I decided to launch a na- tional GIST organization and dedicate myself to inform patients, families and doctors about this disease and raise people's awareness about rare cancers.

GERMANY

Heide (breast cancer)

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1995 and have had several recurrences since then, including bone metastasis. Everyone who has been given a diagnosis of cancer knows only too well the black hole of despair and the feeling of helplessness this brings. My own experience propelled me to become involved in patient group work with mamazone women and research against breast cancer in Germany and through ECPC at European level. I also started up the regional support group of mamazone in Dortmund. Recently mamazone undertook a survey of women’s attitude towards mammography screening. Top line results show that women generally have a very positive attitude towards screening. But they would wish for improvement in the way the results of screens are communicated to them by health professionals. They also argued for extending the age for screening beyond the current target group of 50 and 69 years, to younger (under 50) and older (above 70) women. From our perspective, the EU screening initiative is important for us in Germany as it provides the basis and pressure for improving our national guidelines. The earlier a cancer can be detected the lighter the treatment and chances for survival. Breast cancer screening can save many women’s lives.

GREECE

George (cancer of the larynx)

I was 46 years old when I was diagnosed with cancer of the larynx. I had total laryngectomy (removal of the larynx) where I lost the ability to speak and I was feeling desperate and depressed. My persistence to survive this together with the professional assistance, helped me to adjust to what I was experiencing, accepting the changes and myself for who I am. Today, I am treasurer of the Hellenic Association of Laryngectommees, I communicate, I participate, I am here and my feelings are indescribable!

HUNGARY

M. (gastro intestinal stromal tumour)

It was only a simple health check up, but turned out I had stomach cancer. My first thought was that I had lived 59 nice years. The pathology results showed I have Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor and my specialist forced me to fight because therapy was available. Almost all of my stomach was removed and this was the hardest period. I did not give up and my wife was my biggest support. Thanks to the new therapies my daily life is worth living again and I am looking forward to the future.

IRELAND

Dick (colorectal cancer)

Sixteen years ago, when I was forty five, I underwent major surgery and chemotherapy for colon cancer. Although the experience was very traumatic, I believe my quality of life since has improved. I feel it is important to convey to others that you can have a fulfilling and enjoyable life after cancer.

ITALY

Elisabetta (brain tumor - glioblastoma multiforme)

I was diagnosed with a glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) brain tumour in December 1999. This is a highly malignant and extremely dangerous brain tumour. I had my first surgery in December 1999. Shortly afterwards, I was treated with chemotherapy and radiation. I have since had two recurrences and further treatment, including experimental therapies. I am so grateful to be alive today. One should always have hope in life. I am a 10 year survivor. I am now a new grandmother to a beautiful baby girl, Cristina, who I held in my arms for the first time on 19th June, 2009. Life is good.

LATVIA 

Veronika (thyroid cancer)

My cancer journey started 17 years ago when in 1992 I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. But I didn't panic, I understood that it is some- thing that I just had to go through and win. And now I can say – I am completely well. I always look at life with humor and I am delighted about everything that life offers to me. Most of all I like to spend my time gardening – look after flowers and collect berries.

LITHUANIA 

Ŝarūnas (chronic myeloid leukaemia)

I am 20 years old law student who was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) at the age of 18 and was given modern treatment just promptly after hearing the diagnosis. However, this treatment was available only for 20% of CML patients in Lithuania so I decided to create a public petition together with publicity campaign just on my own to bear the voice to the Government. The petition was signed by more than 80000 Lithuanians and was presented during a press conference in the Lithuanian Parliament. The result was doubled reimbursement for the treatment in the upcoming year budget. My journey throughout CML is stable and harmonious as I am one step to reaching remission. I am willing to share my experience with the world.

LUXEMBOURG 

Stephanie (Ewing sarcoma)

In 1992 I was diagnosed with a Ewing sarcoma of the upper jaw. And I was sent to a Hospital to Germany. I had to undergo 18 operations involving skin tissue grafts. During my cancer journey I had no psychological help at all. There were no other patients with the same disease I could talk with. That would have been very important for me and make me feel not so alone. I am now a “survivor” with still a lot of late effects with which I have to deal.

MALTA 

Gertrude (breast cancer)

My cancer journey started in August 1999, when I found a lump in my right breast. At first I could not believe that this was something serious, as I had my mammogram just 3 months before and everything was normal. My friend came with me to the radiologist because I did not want to worry my family. The result was that the lump I had was malignant and had to come out! In just one week I had a mastectomy and started on my cancer journey, Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy and 5 years of drug treatment. I wanted to give something back to all the people who had helped me throughout my treatment so I joined The Breast Care Support Group ED Malta. At the moment I am the President. I feel that something good has come out of my illness because when people see the way I carried on with my normal life style they are encouraged not to give up.

POLAND 

Lucyna (gastrointestinal stromal tumour)

I am a chief accountant and pets are my passion – dogs, cat and rabbits. In 2001 the diagnosis: GIST has radically changed my life. It took me quite a lot of time to get accustomed to my disease. Now I am much calmer, I slowed down, although I continue to work. I think I be- came more sensitive to other people’s suffering. I may say I owe my life to the on-going clinical trials conducted in Poland. I can stay with my family, work, help other patients, take care of my pets. Life definitely has a greater value now.

PORTUGAL 

A. (prostate cancer)

I am a retired General of the Portuguese Army. All my life - as a re- flex of my long military carrier – I have been a “fighter” and when my prostate carcinoma was diagnosed almost 18 years ago I decided to keep fighting - against the cancer then. But it was a very shocking surprise to me because it arrived silently without any warning or signal. With the advice of my urologist I opted for the hor- mone therapy and until short time ago I had a very good QOL. Right now I am facing the worsening period of the disease. But I am still fighting ...as always! My advice: “Fight” against cancer yourself!

ROMANIA 

Ilona (Hodgkin’s lymphoma)

I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease. Now I feel safe as I have learned that, only if you accept to be helped, you are helped and, especially the fact that, from what you receive you have to give to the others. It wasn't easy when some 5 years ago I was told I had cancer. I was 37, I had a son who was to take the final high school exam and a husband to think about. The evening I was preparing to leave for the hospital, my son told me he knew that cancer means death. That very moment I promised him the opposite. This is true because the cure, healing comes from the inside, from ourselves, but with the help of those around us.

SLOVAKIA 

V. (prostate cancer)

After short-time massive urinal infection and following complex medical investigation I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2004. I knew nothing about this cancer when it happened to me yet it is the third commonest male cancer in the world. I have been encouraged by my urologist and friends to build up the public organisation of patient, survivors, urologist, medical sisters and supporters for fight against cancer and other illnesses of prostate.

SLOVENIA 

Jana (breast cancer)

I was diagnosed a breast cancer 15 years ago. After the treat- ment (the tumorectomy, radiotherapy and chemotherapy) my husband and I decided to have a third child and I delivered healthy baby boy. Three years ago I had a local recidive. Breast recon- struction was performed immediately following radical mastectomy. I am satisfied with my life, have obligations to my family and to work as psychologist. My daughters are studying and my son is 12. I try to do something for others, so I am active in local breast cancer support group.

SPAIN 

A. (colorectal cancer with liver metastasis)

I was 44 years old, married with two little girls when in April 2002 I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer with liver metastasis. It was my first contact with hospitals. At that time, I was not aware of what it means to have cancer. The immediacy of surgical intervention and doubts about the extent of the cancer absorbed everything. My effort was focused on continuing a “normality” in my family and professional life. After a period of six month in chemotherapy I began to exercise, partly to improve my general condition and partly to relieve my rage and the permanent discomfort resulting from chemotherapy. Today I undergo medical follow-ups and checks every six month. Cancer has made me look at live with a new, gentile and quite perspective. What I found more annoying is the stigma that still surrounds this “unmentionable” disease “cancer” in our society today.

SWEDEN 

Alexander (brain tumour germinoma)

I was diagnosed with Germinoma at the age of 21. I had to go through both chemotherapy and radiation treatment, so it was a very turbulent period of my life. At the same time, it has given me a great perspective on life. Since my diagnosis, I have started college and I am almost completely recovered. Even if you receive a tough diagnosis, you can make it back!

THE NETHERLANDS 

Tom (melanoma)

As a melanoma metastasis cancer survivor from a family with an inherited faulty gene, known as: li-fraumeni’ which causes many different cancers, I had already lost many family members, even very young ones. So cancer was not new to me when I was diagnosed. I can see that we have been making progress in prevention, treatment and survival over the last 10 years. But there is still so much to be done. For example most Melanomas, except mine, could be largely prevented by us all acting sun-smart. I survived my cancer, thanks to the good care of my hospital in Amsterdam and I wish my fellow Europeans and their loved ones the same opportunity. With the European Cancer Partnership we can close gaps and build bridges across the countries of the European Union. We patient organisations already build such bridges and support each other across borders and barriers.

UK 

Judy (ovarian cancer)

I am a survivor and I am also a very stubborn person. This is what will get me through my second course of chemotherapy since my diagnosis and operation for stage IV Ovarian cancer. If I don’t get through it, I will have had a fantastic time enjoying every day by riding, socialising, partying and also doing everything I can to pass that philosophy on to others whether they be ill or well. Be positive and never give up doing the things that you have always done and even those that you didn’t find time for before. I am stubbornly going to ‘cling on’ until they find a new drug and, if they don’t, I will have lived so much in so short a time and hopefully my legacy will be to persuade others, whether ill or well, to do the same.