This
week Chris of Chris’ Cancer Community shares his views on how big charities
just aren’t cutting it in the cancer world…
I have been involved with the
cancer sector for approximately ten years now, and I have become totally bored
with most things I see and hear in the UK. We have moved on from booklets
to flashy internet communication which is a lot more user-friendly and
convenient. The information is up to date and appropriate, and we have created
groups on social-media where like minds can discuss and share as much as they
like. But what of substance has actually improved in that time?
Recently, I have attended meetings from local to national level and still
the issues discussed remain the same as ten years ago. The inequality of life
for people affected by cancer. How poorer people have become once they get
cancer. The lack of job opportunities for people affected by cancer. Hospital
parking charges, not enough money given to certain cancers, the lack of
progress in specific tumour types and staffing numbers decreasing. The same
questions coming up time after time, year after year. Just this week there was
a meeting of minds from Macmillan Cancer Support and Cancer Research to
talk about many of these issues, and they were proud when they talked about
COLLABORATION, wow! These two organisations can’t stop massaging their egos
over what incredible work they do. Everywhere you looked were adverts about
them, and of course the obligatory ‘patient story’ to make everyone feel better
about what they do!
This is not a collaboration but a cartel, which was also attended by
ex-employees now plying their trade in the NHS! These are the organisations
that are supposedly there for us when we need them most. But what are they
doing? We know they are successful in the advertising world, where you
certainly have to be wealthy to exist. Most people know their brands of course,
but I suggest not for anything they have done for them? More about being drip
fed by constant advertising on tv, social media, and public transport etc. It
is obviously working as they are financially the two largest cancer charities
in this country. What impact are they having in the cancer
community? Their opinions are the first we ever hear when cancer makes the
news. It is as if what we are seeing is not official unless they have had their
comments. Cancer research and cancer support are two of the broadest terms used
in the sector. So, who can argue with them? Trying to get specific answers
though, is like asking questions to MI5.
With our country in such a political mess, we are seeing absolutely no
action at all in healthcare, but who is challenging the Government? I see a lot
of money in their accounts for ‘lobbying and campaigns’ but what is the result?
Everyone concerned seems very happy with the status-quo, all drawing healthy
salaries, being rewarded well for failure. The same names and faces travelling
on the cancer roundabout. Some of the worst communicators I have ever met. No
private business would be run like this, with a ‘jobs for the boys’
approach.
Meanwhile cancer continues to take lives on a daily basis, as the number
of people affected increases. My belief is that it is the ‘modern day plague.’
Everyone is affected so why is there such a lack of urgency? The system is
totally broken, if there was one in the first place. Silo working is as
apparent now as it was when I started my work. Everyone is only interested in
their own empire with no one responsible for looking at the bigger picture.
Unfortunately, the facts are very stark, that we cannot rely on the people who
tell us they are there to help us. Nothing will change unless we make it
happen. Of course, it is difficult enough to cope with the disease, let alone
fight for what we need, but this is the state of affairs we find ourselves in.
Things will not change within this current system.
This issue is not only about money it is about desire to make change
happen, and I don’t see that from any leadership in the cancer sector. It is
stale and washed up, and certainly doesn’t reflect the people it is there to
represent. This is becoming a national disgrace!
As always these are my own opinions based on my own experiences. Please
feel free to share your own below.
Read more posts from Chris here.
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