‘DON’T FEAR CANCER ... TRUST THE SCIENCE’

George tells his incredible story after battling disease

ALANARKSHIRE man who battled face cancer is urging fellow sufferers not to fear the disease and to trust science and the NHS.

George Cairns, 72, from Larkhall, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer, Facial Angiosarcoma, which then spread to his liver.

However, he still enjoys riding his motorbike and living a full life surrounded by his family.

George said: “I always say to people, don’t fear cancer, science has moved on so much and care is tailored to the individual, to give the best outcomes.

“I am living proof of that.” George initially had surgery at Monklands General Hospital in February 2019 before switching to the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre where he remains under the care of Dr Ioanna Nixon.

He said: “I remember our first trip to the Beatson well.

“There were four of us – me, my wife, my daughter and daughter-in-law.

“Nobody spoke in the car over there.

“When we went in to meet Dr Nixon, she pulled her chair over and the way she spoke to me made me feel like the only person in the world with cancer.

“It wasn’t just a case of this is what your treatment will involve, there was real compassion.

“The journey home was very different.

“She had relaxed all of us and given us hope.”

George had 27 sessions of chemotherapy and 10 sessions of radiotherapy, before undergoing further surgery at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital after a routine scan discovered the cancer had spread to his liver.

The news meant he had to have more chemotherapy, which shrunk his tumour from 4cm to 2cm, followed by Radiofrequency ablation which uses electrical energy and heat to destroy cancer cells.

George also had to have surgery on his face to lift his eye using part of his ear, and he was pleased with the results.

He is now in remission and enjoying time with his wife Jean and his family, including four grandchildren who range in age from 11 to 27.

George Cairns with his family, and inset, before surgery “I love riding motorbikes,” Geroge said.

“I have just sold my 1955 BSA Gold Flash but plan to buy a lighter bike soon and get back out there.

“I also have my faith in God and I know I can turn to him anytime.

“I suppose I do have a positive attitude, but I am human too and we all need a boost up.”

Dr Ioanna Nixon, George’s oncologist, said: “George is an incredible man and his story is a vivid example of resilience. “I remember his words about what CANCER stands for to him. “Concern, Anger, Negative thoughts, Care, Encouragement, Recovery. “George’s experience sums up how many people react when they are faced with a cancer diagnosis.

“His words mean a lot to me as a doctor and it reminds me of why I came into medicine – to care for people.

“People have unique needs and stories and it’s our job to be on their side as an ally to fight cancer.”