All of our staff play a vital role in patient care, with the nurses funded by the charity having a special place in the hearts of many of our supporters.
Elaine Parsons is Friends of the Cancer Centre’s Clinical Nurse Specialist for patients who have received a diagnosis of cancer of unknown primary (CUP). Elaine is the first specialist nurse in Northern Ireland dedicated to this patient group, providing much needed support. She is based at the Northern Ireland Cancer Centre in Belfast and works alongside a newly appointed medical oncology consultant, Dr Scott, who specialises in cancer of unknown primary. Elaine is also a key member of a new multi-disciplinary meeting for patients with CUP.
Approximately 186 people in Northern Ireland are diagnosed with CUP each year. CUP means that cancer has spread to different parts of the body, but the place where the cancer has originated from cannot be determined despite comprehensive investigations. The uncertain nature of this diagnosis means that specialist input and support is vital.
Discussing the challenges that many people can face, Elaine said:
“The CUP diagnostic pathway can be very challenging. Initial tests can indicate that cancer is present, but it has not been possible to determine where the cancer has started. As you can imagine, this can cause a lot of anxiety and stress for the patient and their loved ones.
“Before I took up the position of CUP Clinical Nurse Specialist there was no dedicated support for patients with this diagnosis. Being able to bridge this gap and provide support is immensely important.
“A key aspect of my role is to improve the experience patients have when they have received a diagnosis of CUP. As Northern Ireland’s first CUP Clinical Nurse Specialist, I am in the privileged position of being able to provide continuity of care and support to both the patient and those supporting them throughout their cancer journey.”
Commenting on the impact Elaine’s role will have on patients, Ana Wilkinson, Chief Executive of Friends of the Cancer Centre, said:
“We are delighted to fund Elaine’s post and we know her work will have a hugely positive impact on this patient group, who often need additional support given the complex nature of their diagnosis. This new role will provide them with continuity of care at all stages of their diagnosis. Elaine is making a real difference to her patients and we look forward to seeing how the role develops and progresses.”
Sharing her appreciation to all those who support the charity, Elaine said:
“All of this has been made possible thanks to the wonderful people who support Friends of the Cancer Centre. It is a real honour to establish this much needed service and I feel privileged to be able to try to make a difference to the lives of this very important patient group.”
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Friends of the Cancer Centre is a registered company limited by guarantee in Northern Ireland. Company number NI616925. Registered with The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC101345.
