Tobacco links leads to Economist Group cancer conference being cancelled

As a member of the international cancer patient advocates organisation, Inspire2Live, I have supported their moves to challenge the Economist Group over links to two 'big tobacco' companies. It was great to hear this week, following letters and phone calls (many from patient advocates) that speakers and attendees withdrew from the 10th annual World Cancer Series conference in Brussels - this seems to have quickly led to the conference being cancelled.

It does seem beyond extraordinary that this sponsorship could have been entertained when we know that over 25% of cancers globally are linked to tobacco.

Today the Guardian newspaper reports on the cancelling of the conference - see here: https://www.theguardian.com/media/2024/sep/21/economist-group-cancer-conference-cancelled-due-to-links-to-tobacco-firms

One of the quotes is from Mark Lawler, a professor of digital health at Queen’s University Belfast and chair of the International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership. He said he was stunned to find out about the links. “Imagine my surprise when I discovered that the Economist Impact, which runs the world cancer series event, which I was due to speak at in Brussels, was supported not by one, but by two international cigarette companies – Philip Morris International and Japan Tobacco International. I was livid and immediately withdrew from the event.“In what world can an organisation seriously think it is all right to run a prominent cancer event, bringing together world experts, while also taking sponsorship from a company whose product has caused millions of cancer deaths worldwide? Absolutely shocking.”

Update 26.9.24: Guardian shares more of the story as calls for wider boycott take shape: https://www.theguardian.com/media/2024/sep/25/pressure-mounts-on-publisher-of-economist-over-ties-to-tobacco

Meanwhile just a reminder that Yes to Life's conference is next Saturday 28th Sept looking at the latest developments in Integrative Medicine - no tobacco sponsorship at this one! See more at: https://www.yestolifeannualconference.org/

Out-Witting Cancer exhibition

 

This new exhibition is in 'real life' in London with some of it online - see more - particularly the videos here: https://www.crick.ac.uk/whats-on/exhibitions/outwitting-cancer

I've only had a chance to look at the online info and it is very much a reflection of the current conventional approach - and gives some great insights to where research is going and how they are researching some cancers.

It does also just touch on broader topics like diet but not in any depth or, in my view, providing any useful info. However several of the videos are interviews with Karen Vousden from the Francis Crick Institute and Chief Scientist, Cancer Research UK - she studies the influence of the body’s metabolism – how cells change food into energy – on the development of cancer cells. She rightly points out that we do not understand
risk well, for example she suggests one sausage a week 'almost certainly' won't give you cancer but if people are told that eating a sausage causes cancer then they will not trust other messages. Indeed sensationalising risks are very unhelpful.

However we also don't know fully the impact of food on cancers; there is still loads to learn. So I think the comments around food might suggest to some not to worry too much about bacon, alcohol etc in moderation.....I certainly agree worry is counter productive but also think that we still need some care around changing the way we eat. There seemed to be no mention - maybe I missed it - about what we do need to be eating...people living with cancer (and indeed many other conditions) are long overdue advice and support around good nutrition....not to give it can only reinforce perceptions that many of us are eating well...the evidence however suggests otherwise. See my last blog on nutrition.

Similarly the info about treatment approaches are all conventional - with a focus on surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. As we know there is a whole world of lifestyle and complimentary treatments/approaches that are peer-reviewed and will impact beneficially on people living with cancer.

 

Can you help advance an integrative approach to cancer?

On 15th May there is the Integrative Oncology UK21 conference aimed at healthcare professionals. It is all about the benefits of integrating conventional cancer treatments alongside evidence-informed psychological, nutritional, lifestyle and complementary strategies.

See details at: https://integrativeoncologyuk.com

This last year has been hugely challenging but also represents a turning point in terms of a growing recognition and acceptance of the importance of an integrative approach to health generally, but particularly in cancer care. The Your Life and Cancer conference attracted many people who were directly affected by cancer but also doctors and other healthcare professionals who wanted to carry on with discussions. 

Robin Daly, Chair and Founder of Yes to Life said: "Conversations that followed prompted a renewed interest in the British Society for Integrative Oncology (BSIO) as being the forum to continue those discussions. Driven by this fresh wave of enthusiasm, the BSIO have attracted new committee members (including a number of oncologists), have created a new website, launched a new membership package and are now working in association with Progressive Communications (our partners for the Your Life and Cancer event) to deliver a new Integrative Medicine conference, specifically for healthcare professionals. The first 'Integrative Oncology UK 2021' will be held online on 15 May 2021."

Contact your medical team?

This latest event is another example of the slow but quickening shift to a more integrative approach in our health services. Those of us living with cancer can play a key role in influencing our health care. Many of us can see that there is a growing openness to integrative approaches, but we have a long way to go. Contacting our medical team, oncologists, nurses and more about the conference can play a role in helping the medical community understand how many of us would love to see health care developing. 

I’ve already contacted my oncologist and a friend has also emailed theirs and had a very positive reply. I think many are wanting to understand what their patients are exploring. What is the evidence? What works? 

What's it all about?

The goal of the BSIO and the conference is that Integrative healthcare should be available and delivered seamlessly to all those whose lives are affected by cancer. This online event aims to provide delegates with a strategic toolkit of practical take-home advice to help better support people in their care and ultimately optimise patient outcomes and long-term health. The programme will look at both prehab and rehab and how multi-professional interventions such as nutrition, exercise and wellbeing can result in better functional outcomes after cancer surgery and other oncological treatments such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy and endocrine therapies.

Speakers will discuss ways to help improve side effects of treatment such as pain, fatigue, radiation dermatitis, cognitive dysfunction, chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy and other common complaints. Managing the psycho emotional side of cancer will also be addressed as well as living with metastatic disease and how practitioners can work with patients to prevent recurrence.

The conference website notes that delegates will leave with:

        • An understanding of the science and evidence base underpinning lifestyle and complementary approaches in cancer care.
        • Simple, practical tools that you can use in your daily practice to support and activate patients who might benefit from lifestyle changes and increased resilience.
        • Information on how and where to refer patients safely and appropriately for further integrative support.
        • Strategies to help optimise the health of your patients and in turn providing you with increased job satisfaction.

Visit the website: https://integrativeoncologyuk.com/ 

Download a PDF programme: https://usercontent.one/wp/integrativeoncologyuk.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Integrative_Oncology_UK_2021.pdf

Blogs: Pfeifer Prostate Protocol, Tattoos, Helpline and an art project

Last month I was lucky to join a zoom for doctors and complementary practitioners to hear a presentation by Professor Ben L. Pfeifer, M.D., Ph.D (i). He developed a particular treatment for hormone-driven prostate cancer - a cancer that will effect as many as one in seven men in the UK and last year became the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the UK. 

I ended up writing a blog for Wigwam Cancer Support Groups - you can see it here: https://www.wigwam.org.uk/post/a-look-at-the-pfeifer-prostate-protocol

It is also worth mentioning I am helping put together weekly blog posts on the Wigwam website - in the last couple of weeks we've added blogs on:

1. A blog by a Cheltenham tattooist that I met recently; she is doing some amazing work with women that you can read about. I've also now managed to connect her with the NHS Nipple/Areola Tattoo clinics in Glos and Bristol. In Glos they also use  ‘Keeping Abreast’: the Southwest Reconstruction charity who provide information, supports the Nipple/Areola Tattoo services plus gives advice regarding non-medical breast and chest wall Tattooing.

2. A blog about the Yes to Life Helpline and the info they can give regarding discounts and integrative health; they are looking for more volunteers so if interested do get in touch.

3. A blog about a beautiful magazine I came across with 'Unheard Voices' of cancer; I've been so inspired by them that we are now exploring the possibility of a similar project in Gloucestershire. If you are reading this and interested then please do get in touch.

See them all at: https://www.wigwam.org.uk/blog

UKs biggest integrative cancer health event ever?

'Your Life and Cancer' is quite likely to be the biggest ever integrative cancer health event in UK - with over 40 global experts - I can't resist giving it another plug here - there is a very short film below and I previously blogged about it here: https://myunexpectedguide.blogspot.com/2020/09/your-life-and-cancer-2020-weekends.html

From just £25 per weekend, I'm hoping many folks will be able to come and support the events - but also this is about shifting our health services to be more open to the proven lifestyle and complementary approaches that can play such a significant part in healing. Register at: https://www.yourlifeandcancer.com/register

 

Your Life and Cancer 2020 weekends; an extraordinary opportunity

This is big and I can hardly believe the opportunity it presents...a chance to further shift mindsets towards recognition of reliable ways that we can support cancer with conventional but also lifestyle and complementary approaches.

 

Pic taken from the programme

This online interactive event has attracted a phenomenal line-up of international speakers. More than 40+ experts including world-famous oncologists, scientific pioneers, general practitioners and medics; leading functional medicine doctors, naturopaths and international best-selling authors will share their experience and insights of the benefits of integrating lifestyle and complementary approaches to cancer care.

 

The two LIVE online weekends are designed to shortcut your research and provide reliable, evidence informed information from oncologists, doctors, therapists, authors and others who have benefited from taking an integrative approach. See some of highlights below but also the full programme at: https://www.yourlifeandcancer.com/programmes

 

I'm rather daunted to be having a tiny slot with several others to talk about Wigwam Cancer Support Groups.

 

From just £25 per weekend, I'm hoping many folks will be able to come and support the events. Register at: https://www.yourlifeandcancer.com/register

 

 

Free online Forums re Integrative Health; starting with Gut Health

The first Forum

I've been working a few hours a week with Wigwam - 'a cancer support group with a difference'.  We have just launched an exciting programme of fortnightly Forums and monthly Webinars with expert speakers on a wide range of topics including what you need to know before chemo and radiotherapy treatment, sugar, fatigue, vocal toning, human connection, dance, mindfulness and looking in more detail at integrative approaches. 

All the events will be on Zoom and have plenty of time for questions. They are all bookable free via the Wigwam website on our Forums and Webinar page.

Our first Forum will be looking at one of the most important aspects of our health; our gut. The role of gut health is critical in our immunity, recovery, stress and nutrient absorption. What can we do to maximise gut health? There are now so many studies on our gut microbiota - the tens of trillions of microorganisms that coexist in our gastrointestinal system. We can see, for example, that imbalances in our gut microbiome, or dysbiosis, can cause less microbial diversity in favour of disease-promoting microbes. Indeed between 15-20 percent of human cancers may be attributable to microbial infection (Lancet Oncol 2012;13(6):607-615). So improving our gut health can be critical in our approach to preventing and managing cancer. Find out more in this talk with time for questions.

 

This first session will be with Leyla El Moudden, who regularly contributes to a range of health publications, works for The Really Healthy Company and has previously been President of Association of Naturopathic Practitioners and Short Courses Director of the College of Naturopathic Medicine. Leyla will also be leading our monthly Webinars on a Thursday on a range of topics.

Book at: https://www.wigwam.org.uk/event-details/the-impact-of-gut-health

You can see more on our website about how to join our Wigwam Cancer Support Groups or our regular group sessions like mindfulness. Also our biggest event is coming up - the incredible “Your Life and Cancer” weekends, 26-28th Sept and 10-12th October. To get a sneak preview and early bird tickets go to: https://www.yourlifeandcancer.com/

Trew Health Community launched with key speakers and support each month

This looks interesting....an "online space to learn, grow and live a more connected, inspired life beyond a cancer diagnosis."  It is organised and led by Sophie Trew, founder of the incredible Trew Fields Festival - see my film of last years cancer Festival here (i).

She writes that "The Trew Health Community is a monthly membership where you can learn the tools to support your mental, physical and spiritual health, regardless of what stage you’re at. You’ll be held and supported by a kind, like minded community  focusing on health and healing."

Screenshot from Zoom talk with Dr Samm Watts and Sophie Trew

Sophie is launching this after this weeks three taster days where we had talks from Dr Nasha Winters, the mushroom expert Dr Martin Powell and more - see below more details - they are well worth a view (ii). But you have to hurry as membership closes on 30th June. It will then only open to take in new members at the end of September/early October.

Each month Sophie has a theme - starting with July as Mind-Body connection, looking at building a supportive mindset and the power of your mind over your body - and July's masterclass is with David Hamilton (iii) (author of 'How your mind can heal your body'). She plans to organise each week so there will be a piece of content bite sized so it's not overwhelming, but folks can make progress. 

She writes: "My vision is for this to be a global community of those interested in their healing to support, uplift and empower each other"

And it feels like she's the right person for that job. You can join us here: https://trewfields.com/trew-health-community/

Notes

(i) https://myunexpectedguide.blogspot.com/2019/09/trew-fields-festival-my-long-film.html

(ii) You can also see more on their Facebook page with links and passwords to the talks this last week: https://www.facebook.com/groups/267621324680647/

• Masterclass with Dr Nasha Winters- Treat the terrain not just the tumour

• Meditation with Naomi - Naylou Holistics

• Breathwork workshop with Nicola Price – Inspirational Breathing

• Chronobiology & Herbal Medicine, ‘How to’ talk with Dr Sam Watts: Mind-Body Medical

• Why all mushrooms are magic, a talk with Martin Powell

(iii) See my clip of David Hamilton at Trew Fields last year: https://myunexpectedguide.blogspot.com/2020/03/the-need-to-take-nocebo-effect-seriously.html

Lots of great info online: Trew, Wigwam, Sabbage and more

So many questions!

One of the good things about C-19 is the range of online courses, talks and groups seems to have grown enormously. In recent years there have been growing numbers of resources and in addition to those, it seems like every other week there is some big US conference with info related to people living with cancer. 

At the moment there are two days left of ‘The Mind, Body & The Vagus Nerve Connection Summit’ (i). I’ve only dipped into a couple of their talks - there seems to be a growing knowledge about the importance of the vagus nerve. It has also been called the “10th cranial nerve” and is the longest, largest, and most complex of the cranial nerves. Researchers are linking its activity to migraines, inflammatory bowel disease, depression, arthritis, and many other illnesses. It has been interesting to become more aware of this key nerve but can see we are only just beginning to understand it’s complexity (ii).

 

However I also want to note a 'health warning'; I have a tendency to throw myself into learning rather than actually making time for the being. Yes I love understanding more - and for some of us that is key - but am also aware, understanding is only a tiny part of the picture - and as we know only too well, alot of the views can be diametrically opposed. So take care when embarking on learning more! However having said that I think the stuff below is very useful!

Online Wigwam Cancer Support Group and Forums

Two weeks ago I started working a few hours a week for Yes to Life on their Wigwam Cancer Support project. I have already co-founded the Stroud Wigwam (iii) more than 18 months ago and been involved supporting the new developments around Wigwam, but am delighted to now be more involved in helping build the website, groups and Forum. We have been doing fortnightly free Forums on a range of topics including fear, exercise, functional medicine and mindfulness. The last one had over 70 people on Zoom; there is a chance to ask questions but you can also remain anonymous if you wish. We are planning more (with a break in August) but also welcome ideas for future Forums. 

Wednesday 24th June at 4pm - 'Mushroom Bioscience to promote quality of life’ - this is the next Forum and is with Hania (BSc, LicAc, BHSc, MBAcC), who has worked in the health and wellness sphere for over 10 years. She draws her experience of working in 5 star wellness resorts and in clinical practice as a traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncturist, Naturopath and Life Alignment coach. Book here (iv)

Wednesday 1st July at 4pm - Online Wigwam Cancer Support Group - this is different from the Forum and is about a small online group of people living with cancer, coming together regularly to support each other, and explore and share information about lifestyle and cancer care choices. Seven people have expressed an interest or joined the first meeting and would love to welcome a few more to this next meeting. The group is initially being facilitated by myself and Clare who is a Yes to Life Trustee, Mindfulness tutor and experienced her own cancer journey. Once you are signed up we will send you details of how we will connect on Zoom. To join, please complete the Get Involved Form, ticking the 'Join an Online Group' box here (v). You can also hear more about the Support Groups in this new radio show with myself and Clare: https://www.ukhealthradio.com/player/?ep=21463

Access to Wigwam resources - The 'Get Involved' form (v) is a great way to connect if you are interested in other aspects of the charity, but it is also worth noting that you can join Wigwam. To do this go to the top of the Home page and 'Register'; this will give access to the 'Resouces' section which will contain recordings of all the previous Forums.

Introducing the ‘Trew Health Taster Series’

23rd- 25th June - 3 days of free health, healing & inspiration masterclasses

Well, like many I was disappointed to miss Trew Fields Festival this year - it is such an inspiring event. You can see my long or short film of last year here. Anyhow the wonderful news is that there is a chance to get a bit of a 'Trew-fix’ next week. Here’s the programme;

• Masterclass with Dr Nasha Winters- Treat the terrain not just the tumour  – 23rd June, 8.15pm

• Meditation with Naomi- Naylou Holistics – 24th June, 7pm 

• Breathwork workshop with Nicola Price – Inspirational Breathing- 24th June, (after the meditation with Naomi) 7pm 

• Chronobiology & Herbal Medicine, ‘How to’ talk with Dr Sam Watts: Mind-Body Medical, 25th June, 12.30pm 

• Why all mushrooms are magic, a talk with Martin Powell, 25th June, 7.30pm 

More details at: https://trewfields.com/trew-health/

Just released; videos of last years Trew Festival speakers

Fi at Trew Fields last year

I have just been revisiting these four films of speakers from last year that have just been made public. They are so worth a revisit and give those who haven’t experienced Trew a flavour of the quality of talks they put on.

Fi Munro's talk at Trew Fields 'Live Like You’re Dying’ is very powerful with so much food for thought even on a second listen - see here (vi). Fi’s not so well at the moment but if you follow her on Facebook she still has this amazing ability to bring joy and live her mantra 'Live Like You’re Dying’ - a total inspiration and I also recommend her book - see here (vii). 

Rob Verkerk's talk 'Keto- fad, fake or breakthrough?’ Gives me food for thought as big questions around ketogenic diet and prostate cancer. I’m still getting my head around all that - one day a blog is coming! See his talk here (viii).

Leanne and Saima

Dr Nasha Winters 'Treating the Terrain, Not Just the Tumour' is wonderful and so comprehensive. I remember the speaker who came after her, Sophie Sabbage, made a lovely comment recognising how daunting it might be if you were to try all the aspects of the terrain - to me this is to be worked on over a long period of time - so don’t be too daunted listening into this here (ix)!

Leanne Pero and Saima Thompson talking about cultural challenges for ethnic minorities - see here (x). I did a quick blog here last year (xi) as this issue still doesn’t get enough attention - that is an understatement.

Transformation in the Time of Coronavirus 

 

A masterclass in shifting fear, loneliness and grief

I’ve been doing this excellent course online and it seems like you can still join it. Sophie Sabbage, author of my favourite ‘cancer book’, 'The Cancer Whisperer'  launched this 10 week course for $149 to look at how we can 'shift fear, loneliness and grief’ and 'lead us to experience the greatest connection we have ever know’. There are discounts available. 

 

Previously I have been on a one day course with Sophie and she is certainly one of the most experienced facilitators that I’ve come across. She is living up to that in this course looking at life shocks and how we can learn from them - well its more than that - and brings to life her second book ‘Lifeshocks And How to Love Them’. Unfortunately the regular webinars are the same night each week so with other commitments I’ve missed some but they have recordings of them available so you can still be a part of it all. I’m learning lots but I does require time in your week - this really is an investment in wellbeing not a quick fix. More info at: https://www.moretolife.academy/

 

What else?

 

Well some of the other cancer charities like Maggies and Penny Brohn have got some good online workshops and courses at the moment - I joined a nutrition one at Penny Brohn that was great. Lastly my next blog will look at a website that I've come across with some really useful info....

Notes

(i) https://vagusnerveconnectionsummit.com/

(ii) https://elemental.medium.com/science-confirms-that-the-vagus-nerve-is-key-to-well-being-c23fab90e211

(iii) https://myunexpectedguide.blogspot.com/2020/04/wigwam-cancer-support-forum-online.html 

(iv) https://www.wigwam.org.uk/event-details/mushroom-bioscience-to-promote-quality-of-life  

(v) https://www.wigwam.org.uk/get-involved 

(vi) https://myunexpectedguide.blogspot.com/2019/09/trew-fields-festival-my-long-film.html 

(vi)  https://vimeo.com/372598056

(vii) https://myunexpectedguide.blogspot.com/2020/02/fi-munro-time-to-live.html 

(viii) https://vimeo.com/372603949 

(ix) https://vimeo.com/372610507 

(x) https://vimeo.com/372627081 

(xi) https://myunexpectedguide.blogspot.com/2019/10/one-in-four-black-men-will-get-prostate.html 

Wigwam Cancer Support Forum online 'Dealing with Fear'

As part of the nationwide launch of Wigwam Support groups the Yes to Life charity is trialling its first Wigwam Cancer Support Forum - with Jessica Richards ‘Dealing with Fear - the most deadly virus of all.’ 

In Stroud we have ten members in our Wigwam group that meets every month - we are one of four groups nationally and I'm heoping we can extend Wigwams to more places.

Here's the description: "In these volatile times, in which cancer patients have been told their treatments are on hold for at least three months, many are understandably asking similar questions and facing common fears. Jessica Richards knows first-hand what it’s like to be faced with a life and death situation, with having to make choices against the odds, whilst maintaining mental discipline and presence of mind.


"Diagnosed with cancer in 2007, with a below average chance of surviving beyond 5 years with medical treatment, and no chance of survival without, Jessica decided on a radical route to manage her illness, with little or no support. 13 years on she is a testament to her choices and ability to remain present and in possession of self in the midst of condemnation and ridicule from the outside world.

Some of members of Stroud Wigwam

"For many years Jessica has been a go-to volunteer for charities such as Yes to Life and CancerActive, as well as for providers such as Cancer Options and the Vision of Hope Clinic, and many cancer groups and individuals.

"Jessica approached Robin Daly of Yes to Life with the idea of an online Q&A forum to address the most pressing questions from individuals in these most challenging times, as a way to reach out to as many as possible. She can help with ways to develop the mental discipline to remain present  and in possession of self, with developing and using the placebo effect, and she will share her practical experience of how to take control of your situation and utilise this opportunity to enhance your immune system, mental attitude and wellbeing.

"Jessica Richards is an expert in personal Transformation and Leadership Mentoring. Using her unique “Changing the Groundhog Day’ approach she breaks the unconscious patterns of self-limiting belief programmes which dominate and create most of our experiences. 

"Jessica has been in practice for 36 years – the last 29 being in Harley Street. After 36 years and thousands of hours working with individuals and groups, she helps others achieve significant transformation in both their personal and professional lives. She has always pointed to mental attitude as being the no1 asset in managing any situation, no matter how frightening it may appear. Her practical approach and experience teaches how to develop and maintain the mental discipline to stay focussed and present, and avoid becoming a victim of fear.

"Her book The Topic of Cancer is selling around the world and she is a contributing author to The Cancer Revolution by Patricia Peat for Yes to Life".

Update; 25/04/20: You can listen to this talk by registering with Yes to Life's Wigwam Support Groups: https://www.wigwam.org.uk/

I'll be there....4 to 4.45pm on 29th April British Summer Time - Participants are anonymous. Questions are via the chat function on zoom or by email in advance. Register at: https://bit.ly/WIGWAMforum29-4-20