Raising Awareness during Thymic Cancer Month – May 2022
Excellent talks from all members of the MDT but most importantly the #patientvoice, that was so eloquently represented by Karen Ruddock @ThymicUK
“We needed to make the changes – even if our numbers are small”
“A better understanding is needed”
Thymic cancers originate from the thymus and are classified as thymomas, thymic carcinomas, thymic neuroendocrine cancer (NETs & NECs), and other types according to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of tumours of the thymus.
NCUK delighted to see Thymic Neuroendocrine Cancer covered – this very rare cancer accounts for less than 5% of all thymic tumours.
A key focus for rare cancer charities, such as NCUK, ThymicUK and our Cancer52 charity colleagues, is that changes are still needed to achieve equity in cancer care – low awareness amongst both the general public and healthcare professionals is a challenge in the patient care journey :
“the isolation of rare – the low awareness and limited access to expertise, diagnostics and treatment . . .the limited understanding – only compounds the bio-psychosocial burden on those diagnosed”
Nikie Jervis – Patient Engagement, Education & Policy Lead NCUK