More than 100 people attend Force’s first Cancer Peer Support Day

25 November 2022

The first Cancer Peer Support Day held at Suffolk Police HQ was attended by more than 100 people, helping and advising dozens who have experienced the life-changing disease.

The event, which took place on Friday 18 November, was organised by Federation representative Emma Arthurs-Newman who has been living cancer-free for five years and is using her own experience to support her colleagues. 

Officers from both Norfolk and Suffolk forces attended the event, as well as Federation representatives and UNISON reps, along with workplace reflexologists, health and nutrition experts.

Local charities ‘The Big C’ - which supports people living with cancer - and ‘On The Ball’ - specifically helping those with testicular cancer - also attended, as well as national cancer support charity Macmillan.

“I was actually quite overwhelmed with the response we got. I was expecting around 30 people or so, but we actually had more than 100 visitors throughout the day,” said Emma.

“It was bittersweet - bitter because everyone who came along had been somehow impacted with cancer but sweet because hopefully, we were helping them all in some way.

“There were people from across all ranks there, even a chief officer who has had cancer but is experiencing ongoing issues, and we were able to help them. The thing is, cancer does not discriminate, it can affect anyone.”

Emma was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017, before receiving chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery.

“Even though I’ve been living cancer-free for five years, I actually discovered therapy that can help me. Because ultimately, even if or when the treatment stops, it doesn’t mean cancer didn’t exist. My life changed the moment I was diagnosed, and then again when the treatment started - and it will never be the same again,” continued Emma.

“My cancer journey, even though it’s after treatment, continues today. While my body physically might look the same, internally my body is broken from the scars and the surgery. I still need to adapt to that mentally.”

One of Emma’s missions is to help those diagnosed or recovering from cancer, as well as those who are carers or bereaved, feel less isolated.

“The support event was there to help everyone - including supervisors and line managers who are supporting team members living with cancer - and hopefully make them realise they’re not alone and furthermore, have to go through this alone,” she added.

“Normally people are supported for five years following treatment but due to the Covid-19 pandemic, my support stopped early at around two-and-a-half years. All of a sudden, I felt really vulnerable, especially when my medication stopped.  

“I remember when I was going through cancer treatment, nobody ever asked my wife if she was OK. And, although she wasn’t the patient, her plate was pretty full too. 

“We actually had a few bereaved visitors to the event and they were so brave, they actually came along to reach out and support others. I guess a huge part of what we’re doing is creating a big support network for patients, carers and family members. I’ve also added to my support network thanks to this event.

“I want people - however they have been affected by cancer - to know it’s OK to feel how they’re feeling. Hopefully, the support network gives people permission to feel guilty, sad or even happy - all of the emotions that people feel if they are experiencing cancer.

“And this support doesn’t cost a thing - conversation costs nothing.”

At the event, testicle and breast props were on show, both of which helped to educate visitors about how they can check their bodies, as well as their partners’ bodies for lumps.

“We wanted more men there - and I hope that we can reach out to more men as our network continues to grow,” Emma continued.

“It was also great to see so many volunteers there who just wanted to support others. A lot of them had experienced cancer in some way and just wanted to give something back.”

Over the past few years, Emma has been hosting monthly virtual meetings for colleagues across Suffolk and Norfolk who are living with or caring for somebody with cancer.

Emma is hoping to make the Cancer Peer Support Day an annual event, with next year’s set to be held at Norfolk HQ.

If members would like more information on the monthly virtual support meetings then they should contact Workplace Health or email Emma directly.