Velindre specialist calls for Unity in battle with cancer

A CANCER specialist who was himself diagnosed with the disease has urged people to unite for World Cancer Day later this week.

Richard Adams, an oncologist and cancer researcher, first noticed swelling in his right testicle in March 2013.

Dr Adams said: “I’ve treated men with testicular cancer before and it was one of a list of possibilities that went through my head.

“I went to see a radiology colleague in the cancer centre where I work to request an ultrasound to see if my suspicions were correct. They were – the ultrasound showed a tumour.

“Until you’re given a cancer diagnosis, you have absolutely no idea how you are going to respond to it.

“I went first to tell my wife Ness who works with me at the cancer centre. I wondered about the impact my treatment would have on her and our three boys, who were five, seven and 10 at the time. I also felt a sense of duty to keep seeing my patients in the clinic.”

Richard, who is based at Cardiff University and the Velindre Cancer Unit, had an operation in March 2013 to remove the tumour before having one round of chemotherapy and three weeks of radiotherapy.

He said: “The treatment made me feel nauseous and absolutely exhausted.

“I was off work for 12 weeks in total and the children helped their mum look after me.

“I’m incredibly grateful for my family and colleagues who were so supportive and helped me deal with it.”

Richard said his experience has also had a positive impact on his working life. He said: “When I see patients in my clinic now, I’m more aware of the anxieties they’re feeling.

“After they have a scan, I try to make sure they get their results as early as possible.

“I know that waiting to hear results can be a scary experience.”

The doctor is calling on men, women and children to play their part by wearing a Unity Band or donating in support of World Can- cer Day on Saturday, February 4.

Cancer Research UK’s Unity bands come in three different colours. They are available in the charity’s shops, for a suggested donation of £2.

Unity bands are also available online at www.cruk.org.uk/worldcancerday.

Money raised will help fund life-saving research and help bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

Every day, around 52 people are diagnosed with cancer in Wales.

This year, Cancer Research UK is working with nine other charities to encourage people to wear a Unity Band and help raise vital funds.

For more information, visit www.cruk.org/worldcancerday