People who have been affected by cancer are invited to speak about their experiences and treatment at an event next month.

The Together Against Cancer (TAC) event will take place on Tuesday 12 June 2012 at the Cobholm and Lichfield Health and Resource Centre in Great Yarmouth, from 2pm to 6pm.

Visitors are invited to drop in at any point between those times, for an informal chat and to share their experience of their cancer journey.

There will also be the opportunity to hear about exciting developments at the new Louise Hamilton Centre which has been funded by the Palliative Care East appeal.

The TAC group was set up in 2010 to offer anyone who has had cancer, or been affected by cancer, the chance to talk about their experiences and treatment.

Today, about 20 people regularly attend its meetings, and more are welcome.

Maggie Parsons, Programme Manager, HealthEast, said: “We know how important it is for people affected by cancer to talk about their experiences and share their stories. Also, as health professionals we want to know what was good and what maybe wasn’t so good in terms of those experiences. 

“We hope that people whose lives have been affected by cancer will come to our event and speak about their cancer journey. We always like to attract new members who have recently been through cancer treatment and care, and we work in partnership with local healthcare providers.”

The group will also be discussing ways in which they can help promote the Department of Health’s Be Clear On Cancer campaign.

This campaign’s focus is currently on raising awareness of the symptoms of lung cancer – reinforcing the message that finding lung cancer early makes it more treatable, and encouraging people who have had a cough for three weeks or more to go to their doctor straight away.

It is also publicising the symptoms of cancer of the stomach and oesophagus.

The TAC group is supported by NHS Norfolk and Waveney and NHS Anglia Cancer Network, but the group is spearheaded by members of the public.

Linda Clemmit, group chairman, said: “We are a group of ordinary people whose lives have been touched by cancer and are committed to improving cancer services in Norfolk and Waveney. Our aim is to help improve services and we listen to people, work on behalf of and represent patients.”

The group consults with the public and is able to collate feedback on services to help make changes for the future.

Tonia Dawson, Nurse Director from Anglia Cancer Network, added: “We want people to join the group to help influence future cancer planning and delivery, so anyone affected by cancer benefits from the past experiences of patients and carers.”

TAC meets on the last Wednesday of each month at 10am to 12pm in the Communal Room, The Close, Bradwell, NR31 8DR.

For more information about the group call Linda on 01493 663189 or visit www.angliacancernetwork.nhs.uk

To find out more about the Be Clear On Cancer campaign, and to download a leaflet with further details, visit: www.nhs.uk/lung-cancer and www.nhs.uk/ogcancer