The Cancer Survivors Club (20 page)

Below is my special ‘World Record' newspaper feature. Daily newspapers around the world supported me in publishing this feature. This enabled me to achieve a Guinness World Record and more importantly created much-needed cancer awareness around the world.

Congratulations! You're one of millions of people, in potentially 38 countries, reading this column today. You've also enabled me to make history, by becoming the first person to obtain a Guinness World Record for the ‘
most published feature newspaper article in one day – by the same author
'. You're reading this in one of hopefully 400 newspapers that have kindly agreed to
help.

I have a romantic notion that you're reading this while sitting on a tram in Melbourne, or the subway in Manhattan, or while eating breakfast in your hotel in, say, Dubai. Some of you will no doubt be reading this in bed after a busy day, and sadly some will be reading it from a hospital bed; hospitals like the Worthing Hospital, or University College Hospital, in London.

Sadly, another thing that connects the millions of people reading this today is cancer. This terrible disease isn't fussy who it affects. It doesn't care which newspaper you read or where you read
it.

There are more than 200 types of cancer, with around 12.7 million new cases diagnosed worldwide each year. More than 1 in 3 of us will get some form of cancer during our lifetime.

More people worry about cancer than debt, crime or losing their job. Scientists believe stress is one of the biggest contributory causes of cancer
–
along with habits such as smoking, overeating and heavy drinking.

I'm one of the lucky ones; nineteen years ago, I was diagnosed with a cancer called Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, and given just three months to live. I had a tumour the size of a dinner plate, buried in the middle of my chest.

I spent eight months feeling dreadfully unwell, so was actually pleased when doctors put a name to it. Naively I hadn't realized that Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma was a form of cancer. I'd wrongly assumed I had an unusual condition that would be sorted out with a few pills.

While I was lying in a hospital bed, a nurse handed me a leaflet offering advice about cancer treatment. I later asked my doctor if lymphoma was cancer; this is when I was told the brutal truth.

I started writing a memoir about my experience, and the reaction from people around me was one of surprise when they found out. They always responded with positive comments, but the expression on their faces said, ‘
Why are you bothering?
'

I had most of the physical symptoms the cancer leaflet described, but equally I had a mental battle to win, if I was to remain positive.

A nurse suggested I keep my thoughts to myself, to help protect my family and friends. So I began writing, a way to offload my anxiety and remain focused.

I'd no idea of the sort of hell I was about to go through. I endured two years of treatment, which included radiotherapy, chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant.

Despite the side effects of the treatment and what the doctors had said, I never once thought this lump in my chest would kill me. Writing my diary helped me stay positive. I'm 44 years old
now.

It's not a coincidence I chose today to write this feature, or obtain a Guinness World Record; it's ‘World Cancer Day'. On the 4th February every year, people, businesses, governments and the media work together, to create global cancer awareness and explore methods to prevent, detect and treat
it.

With the help and support of the
Bristol Evening Post
, I've made history by creating the most published feature newspaper article in one day. More importantly, by reading this, it may just save your life. Don't worry, you'll not need to put your hand in your pocket, nor have the embarrassment of collecting sponsorship money from friends. It involves just a few simple steps, literally.

A review by Cancer Research-funded researchers at Bristol University revealed that, by simply exercising for just 30 minutes a day, you could cut the risk of bowel cancer by up to 50 percent. Exercise also helps prevent breast, lung and endometrial cancer. Even in these hard financial times, going for a walk costs nothing. Breast, lung, bowel and prostate cancers account for over half of all new cancers each year. Just think how many lives exercise alone could
save.

The European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study has found that eating plenty of fruit and vegetables could reduce the risk of mouth, oesophageal and lung cancers, as well as some types of stomach cancer. Again, think how many lives could be saved by just eating vegetables.

If everyone did as I suggest above, perhaps I could obtain another World Record for saving the most lives; I'm obviously joking but a nice thought.

Cancer is a leading cause of death around the world, according to the World Health Organization, which estimates that 84 million people will die of cancer between 2005 and 2015 without intervention.

The good news, however, is cancer survival rates have doubled in the last 40 years. More than half the people diagnosed with cancer now survive their disease for more than five years. In men, the highest five-year survival rate is for testicular cancer, with a massive 95 percent of men surviving. For women, the highest five-year survival rate, at 90 percent, is for malignant melanoma.

So I've proven that it's easy to achieve things if we work together. Very easily, you've helped me achieve a Guinness World Record, by simply reading this column. I've also shown you that exercising for just 30 minutes a day can reduce some cancers by up to 50 percent. Just think what ‘we', collectively, as a group of people worldwide could accomplish, if we work together to destroy this terrible disease.

I'm currently writing a book, a collection of true inspirational stories from cancer survivors like myself, who have battled to overcome the effects of this awful disease. I want the book to motivate, encourage and give hope to cancer sufferers, their families and friends.

Therefore, if you have an inspirational story to share, for possible publication, please contact me via my website:
www.ChrisGeiger.com

It's true what they say about the simplest ideas being the best. Shortly after my Guinness World Record feature was published, I received the following email.

From
: Tim [removed]
Sent
: 5 February 2011
21:27
To
: Chris Geiger
Subject
: RE: Book
–
Inspiring Stories.

Dear Chris,

I have just read your amazing World Cancer Day feature, and wanted to say how inspiring and moving I found it. I've never responded to a newspaper article before, nor written to a stranger.

I am unfortunately not yet a cancer survivor, but a sufferer. I have been diagnosed with cancer of the rectum. I'm due to have an operation soon to have a tumour removed. I sincerely hope one day, I too will be a survivor like you, and be able to submit my story.

I share your thinking that such a book full of survivors' stories will really make a difference to those who have cancer
–
sufferers like hearing about people who have beaten this disease. Hope and strength are two very important things a cancer patient needs to become a survivor; your book provides
both.

The awareness you're creating by your newspaper columns and your book idea will give hope to thousands.

I pray that one day I'm in a position to send you my survivor's story, to motivate and help others. Until then, God bless and keep up the great
work.

Thanks and speak to you
soon.

Tim

As you can imagine, this email was one of hundreds I received from around the world. However, I found this message particularly emotional. It cemented my idea that such a book would not only help and inspire people, but would also give readers and patients hope that one day they could have their story published. My goal now is to make this the first of a biannual publication.

When I was receiving treatment for cancer, I set myself goals, which gave me something to focus on. My hope is this book will also provide anyone affected by cancer something to focus their attention on. In addition, by patients sharing their stories, it helps those who read
them.

Even if you think your writing won't win an award for its descriptive prose, don't worry
–
I'm happy to work with you to ‘polish' your story.

If you or any member of your family has been touched by cancer, I'd love to hear from you. Any story relating to cancer from anyone's perspective can be submitted. However, all stories must be true and make a positive impact.

I highly recommend you read your story out loud, as this helps bring out any errors and enables you to check the story flows. Anyone who tries to advertise or promote a product or service will not be included. Finally, I cannot, sadly, accept any story that is longer than 4,000 words.

You may submit your stories by email only. Each submission must include the following: your full name, postal address and phone number, together with your email address and title of the story.

In the subject line, enter ‘Story Submission'. Copy and paste (or type) the story into the body of the email; no attachments will be accepted. One submission per email to:
[email protected]

Please direct any questions and suggestions to:
[email protected]

http://www.aicr.org.uk
Worldwide Cancer Research is a cancer charity that funds research into cancer worldwide.

http://www.AboveAndBeyond.org.uk
A Bristol-based charity supporting local NHS hospitals.

http://www.AnthonyNolan.org
Information on stem cell transplants and becoming a bone marrow donor.

http://www.BeatBloodCancers.org
Useful information on all types of lymphoma and leukaemia.

http://www.BowelCancerUK.org.uk
Offers support and help for bowel cancer patients.

http://www.thebraintumourcharity.org
Advice for sufferers of brain tumours.

http://www.BreastCancerCare.org.uk
Support and help for those affected by breast cancer.

http://www.Cancer.gov
A comprehensive American cancer resource from the government's principal agency on cancer research.

http://www.CancerAdvice.co.uk
Details on various different types of cancer.

http://www.CancerInCommon.com
A social network where patients and survivors can connect based on their cancer type and location.

http://www.CancerResearchUK.org
Easy-to-understand cancer patient information.

http://www.TheCancerSurvivorsClub.com
The Cancer Survivors Club book website.

http://CaveCrawlerStory.blogspot.co.uk
Dave Mason's blog about his Pseudomyxoma Peritonei (PMP).

http://www.CheckEmLads.com
A testicular cancer awareness website.

http://www.ChrisGeiger.co.uk
Chris Geiger's official website.

http://www.HealthTalkOnline.org
A place to share any cancer experiences and concerns.

http://www.JosTrust.org.uk
Easy-to-understand information about cervical cancer.

http://www.LeukaemiaCare.org.uk
Blood cancer care and support.

http://www.LifePowerBlog.ca
Andrea Paine's blog inspires runners and cancer survivors alike.

http://www.Lymphomas.org.uk
Offers useful information on lymphoma and a chat room.

http://www.Macmillan.org.uk
Practical advice on living with cancer.

http://www.NHS.uk/conditions/cancer
Offers a guide to cancer treatment centres.

http://www.Orchid-Cancer.org.uk
Information on testicular, prostate and penile cancers.

http://www.PancreaticCancerAction.org
Information on pancreatic cancer and the charity established by Ali Stunt.

http://www.PennyBrohnCancerCare.org
Offers free complementary therapies, advice and counselling for those dealing with cancer.

http://www.PseudomyxomaSurvivor.co.uk
A support network for survivors and carers of Pseudomyxoma Peritonei.

http://www.TeenageCancerTrust.org
A charity devoted to improving the lives of teenagers and young adults with cancer.

http://www.Twitter.com/Cancer_Buzz
Providing daily news and information on anything cancer related.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cancer
A free encyclopedia, detailing the history and methods used to treat cancer.

To add your website or blog to future editions, please submit it to:
[email protected]

Claire Duffett – In Sickness and in Health

Claire Duffett now lives back in Bristol with Richard, her husband. They enjoy family days out with their children, Ruby and Lola. Their interests include swimming, walking and reading. Ruby is doing well at her first school and Lola is looking forward to starting school soon. Witnessing her children attend school is a day Claire didn't think she would see, so has extra meaning. Claire remains cancer free some five years after treatment.