The Plymouth Laryngectomy Club (PLC)

A Charitable Support Group for Plymouth Cancer Laryngectomees

The Voice of PLC

November December 2011
Address: c/o 80 Warleigh Avenue, PLYMOUTH, PL2 1DH, Devon, UK Mobile: 07745819828 (text only) Email: saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk Website: http://plymouthlc.webs.com

FOREWORD BY THE CHAIR

Written by Geoffrey N. READ

EDITORIAL COMMENT

Dear Members & Supporters, Our November 2011 Meeting was held under new management! The Committee now discusses the clubs business outside of our normal monthly meetings and this allows for a more relaxed atmosphere at our meetings. Our monthly raffles have been reorganised and will now be the sole responsibility of Fiona and Ron & Fiona MARTIN, ournewlyelected Entertainments Members. Its now time to pay your annual subscriptions of 5 per head. Only members need pay... not Friends! We have twelve members lined up ready to take part in our Clubs Christmas Dinner on Monday, 12th December 2011. This promises to be a lovely end to what for the PLC has been a very successful year! Thank you all for your continued support!

NTERNET Links. If youre reading this on-line and come across words with blue lettering that are underlined, then you can click on these links and be taken directly to another site for more information on that particular topic. If you read this on Microsoft Word, you can put your cursor over the link, hold down the Control (Ctrl) Key and click! Ed.

PERSONAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

N B

OVEMBER 2011. No celebrations in November? Have we missed anyone?

EST WISHES TO Eileen FURNEAUX for her birthday on th Saturday, 24 December 2011. Eileen is a very keen Member of PLC. Great to have you along Eileen! Enjoy your day!

LAUGH AT LIFE!

S SHE FEELING Any Better? Nurse, hows that little girl doing who swallowed a Fifty Pence piece last night? No change yet!

Doctor:

Nurse:

PLC MONTHLY MEETINGS

Geoff
Chair, PLC

UR NOVEMBER 2011 Meeting took place at the Mustard Tree Cancer Support Center at Derriford th Hospital on Monday, 7 November 2011 at 11 a.m. There were eight Members, one Friend and one Guest Speaker in attendance. The salient points of the meeting are given below. Mr. John MCKENNA, from Colebrook Housing Carers gave us a short talk accompanied by a PowerPoint presentation about their work. Geoff presented John with a desk calendar as a small token of thanks from PLC.

The Plymouth Laryngectomy Club (PLC) is an Affiliated Member of: The National Association of Laryngectomy Clubs (NALC) In Association with Macmillan Cancer Support Registered Charity Number: 273635 Our Funder: Macmillan Cancer Support A Member of Community & Social Action Plymouth (CASAP) Patrons & Medical Advisors : Mr. W.M. BRIDGER, FRCS - Consultant ENT Surgeon, Mr. Tass MALIK, BSc FRCS (Gen), FRCS (ORL H&N) - Consultant Otolaryngologist, Head & Neck / Thyroid Surgeon, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth.

AFFLE. November 2011. Members present decided that the raffle should be reorganised. In future, a single ticket will cost 1 and there will be no limitations on how many tickets anyone can buy. The raffle will be wholly organised by Fiona and Ron MARTIN as part of their duties as Entertainments Members. They will also be responsible for the provision of the prizes so the Raffle Winner will no longer have to bother providing the prize for the next time!

ECEMBER 2011.
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Monday, 5 December 2011: Monthly Club Meeting. As usual, please arrive at 10.30 a.m. for refreshments. We will have a Guest Speaker. Sian HARRIS who has recently taken up her appointment as the Macmillan Cancer Support Fundraising Manager for Plymouth, North Devon & the Tamar Valley. Sian has agreed to come along and explain to us how PLC can give something back to Macmillan in 2012. Monday, 12 December 2011: The PLC Christmas Dinner will be held at Leandras Restaurant in Plymouth City Centre at 7 p.m. The cost of this event will be offset by Club Funds. Geoff has paid the deposit for the meals from Club Funds. Those members who would like to, can bring a pressie along on the evening to the value of not more than 5. These will then be placed into our Grand Christmas Dip.
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UBSCRIPTIONS. Members are kindly requested to pay their 5 Subscription at the December 2011 Meeting. If you do not expect to attend that meeting then it would be appreciated if you could pay the Treasurer as soon as you can. Her Contact Address details are at the top of the front page. Eight members have paid up so far leaving about a further nine to pay. If payment hasnt been made by the start of the new year we will query with you whether you still wish to remain as a Club Member.

ANUARY 2011.
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PLC MEETINGS

OU WILL ALL be aware that the PLC has been holding its monthly meetings on the first Monday of each month. One month at The Mustard Tree and the next away from Derriford. For various reasons, we have had to change this. With effect from February 2012, our meetings will be held on the second Tuesday of each month as shown below:
Monday, 9th January 2012 Tuesday, 14th February 2012 Tuesday, 13th March 2012 Tuesday, 10th April 2012 Tuesday, 15th May 2012 Tuesday, 12thg June 2012 Tuesday, 10th July 2012 Tuesday, 14th August 2012 Tuesday, 11th September 2012 Friday, 5th October 2012 (TBC) Possible date of the Plymouth Laryngectomy Information Day & PLC AGM Tuesday, 13th November 2012 Tuesday, 11th December 2012 Tuesday, 17th December 2012 (TBC) Possible date for PLC Christmas Dinner The Mustard Tree Away Day The Mustard Tree Away Day The Mustard Tree Away Day The Mustard Tree Away Day The Mustard Tree The Mustard Tree

Monday, 9 January 2012: As usual, please arrive at 10.30 a.m. for refreshments. We will have a Guest Speaker. A representative from Woodside Animal Welfare Trust has agreed to come along and explain to us how the trust operates. Then, perhaps next year we can arrange a visit to the Animal Centre. Monday, 30 January 2011: Monthly Committee Meeting. The Committee will meet at Geoffs residence at 2.30 p.m.
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NEWS & CURRENT EVENTS

DISCLAIMER Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this section are not necessarily those held by the PLC Committee nor its Members.

VICTIM OF This Harsh Climate. This Editorial Commentary was published in The th Plymouth Herald on Monday, 24 October 2011: WHEN it was first mooted, cancer patients across the South West were understandably delighted at plans to buy a 'miracle laser' for Derriford Hospital. The hi-tech Cyberknife is capable of shooting beams of radiation at difficult-to-reach tumours, without the need for invasive surgery. Even better, the device would have meant that patients would not even have to remove their clothing to be treated. But not surprisingly, this fantastic piece of equipment, plus the 'radiation bunker' necessary to house it came at a price... and an expensive one at that. The Cyberknife alone cost 2.6million, while the building to contain it would set back the Plymouth Hospitals NHS Hospitals Trust 1.7million. In an ideal world, these sums, weighed against the benefits that the equipment would bring to patients, would be seen by most people as well worth paying. But sadly, in today's harsh, unforgiving climate of job cutbacks, cash squeezes, cost-cutting and budget-balancing, such expense is difficult to justify. Which is why the Trust has had to make the difficult decision to abandon plans to install this equipment, and instead continue with the replacement of its three current treatment machines. 2

Away Day The Mustard Tree Away Day

PLC COMMITTEE MEETINGS

OMMITTEE MEETINGS. The Committee had a meeting th at Geoffs residence on Tuesday, 18 October 2011. No major decisions were made. Fiona & Ron MARTIN said they would be trying to plan the social diary for 2012. Future meetings will take place about one week prior to Club th Meetings. The next meeting will take place on Monday, 30 January 2011.

THE PLC FORECAST OF EVENTS

ALENDAR of EVENTS. A copy of the Clubs Calendar of Events, including Future Entertainments for the next 12 months or so, is available on our Clubs website. Please keep yourselves up-to-date by taking an occasional peek!

Contact The Voice of PLC Newsletter Editor Geoff Read on (01752) 563800 or 0774581928 (text only) or email: saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk, or go to PLC website at http://plymouthlc.webs.com

Understandably, one cancer campaigner has already said she is appalled at the decision... and many people will echo the feelings of Jennifer WOODFORD. But set against Derriford's efforts to save 31million this year, which has included cuttings posts and beds, the hospital felt that it had little option. The only glimmer of hope in this unfortunate situation is that Dr. Phil HUGHES has said that the hospital will "continue to monitor" the Cyberknife situation. Here's hoping that at some future date, circumstances will change enough to allow Plymouth patients access to this wonderful, but expensive, piece of kit.

REMEMBER: When

This is an emergency service and must only be used in an emergency as below...

Life is at risk; Crime / trouble is happening now; Someone is injured or threatened; Person committing crime is near; There is a fire or people trapped; You need an ambulance urgently; Someone is in trouble, or missing, at sea, Someone is in trouble on the cliffs or on the shoreline.

OMPLAINTS AGAINST DERRIFORD Hospital Have Fallen. This article appeared in The Herald on Tuesday, 18th October 2011: THE number of complaints made about Derriford Hospital to the health Ombudsman has dropped in the past year. The Health Service Ombudsman Ann ABRAHAM looks into complaints against health authorities, when a person is dissatisfied with how their grievance has been handled locally. She has today published the second in an annual series of reports on complaints handling. It states she received 56 complaints about Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust in 2010 / 11, of which two went on to be investigated. This compares to 64 complaints in 2009 / 10, of which five went on to be investigated. That year the trust was named as among the 10 health bodies having the country's highest number of Ombudsman investigations over complaints. In 2010/11, four investigations for Plymouth Hospitals were reported on and upheld. The Ombudsman also received 44 complaints about NHS Plymouth, the city's primary care trust (PCT), of which none were accepted for investigation. This compares to 35 the previous year, of which one was accepted for investigation. The Ombudsman's report criticised the progress the NHS is making to improve the way it deals with patients' complaints as "patchy and slow". She warns that the NHS is still not dealing adequately with the most straightforward matters and that too many minor disputes are escalated to her office before they are resolved. The Ombudsman received the most complaints about Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust 171 complaints, of which eight were accepted for investigation. Nationally, the two most common reasons people gave for being dissatisfied with how the NHS had handled their complaint were poor explanations and no acknowledgement of mistakes.

If any Club Member who doesnt have access to a computer and needs help with this then do get in touch with Geoff.

XPERT PATIENTS PROGRAMME. A free course for people living with long-term health conditions.
Do you live with a long-term condition? Are you a good communicator? Are you motivated? Do you want to make a positive difference to the lives of others? Would you like to become a volunteer tutor and help others manage their long-term conditions?

To learn more about becoming a volunteer tutor please contact:

Jan White, Expert Patients Programme Co-ordinator, Plymouth Guild, Ernest English House, Buckwell Street, Plymouth, PL1 2DA Tel: (01752) 201766

LU (ALSO KNOWN AS INFLUENZA) is a highly infectious illness caused by the flu virus. It spreads rapidly through small droplets coughed or sneezed into the air by an infected person. Studies have shown that flu vaccines provide effective protection against the flu, although protection may not be complete and may vary between people. Protection from the vaccine gradually decreases and flu strains change over time. Therefore, new vaccines are made each year and people at risk of flu are encouraged to be vaccinated every year. The flu vaccination is offered to people in at-risk groups and Laryngectomees are included in this group!. These people are at greater risk of developing serious complications if they catch flu, such as pregnant women and elderly people. Find out who should have the flu jab. This year's flu jab (2011). This winters flu jab protects against the same three strains of flu as last years vaccines. These include the H1N1 strain of the flu virus. H1N1 is the same strain of flu that caused the 2009 swine flu pandemic. H1N1 is included because it is likely to be one of the major flu strains circulating in Britain this winter. The best time to have a flu jab is in the autumn, from September to early November. Find out more about getting the flu jab or speak to your local GP. Click on this link to see the information source.

HE EMERGENCY SMS Service lets deaf, hard of hearing and speech-impaired people in the UK send an SMS text message to the UK 999 service where it will be passed to the police, ambulance, fire rescue, or coastguard. Simply by sending an SMS message to 999 you can call for help and the emergency services will be able to reply to you. You will need to register your mobile phone before using the Emergency SMS service. Download the Emergency SMS leaflet.

Contact The Voice of PLC Newsletter Editor Geoff Read on (01752) 563800 or 0774581928 (text only) or email: saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk, or go to PLC website at http://plymouthlc.webs.com

ORMER BRAZILIAN PRESIDENT to Undergo Chemotherapy. This report was broadcast by Helena th DEMOURA on CNN on Saturday, 29 October 2011:
Luiz Inacio LULA DA SILVA, seen here on Tuesday, 25th October 2011, is expected to undergo chemotherapy to treat a tumour in his larynx.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS Lula's tumor has not metastasized. He will be treated at Sao Paulo's SyrianLebanese Hospital.

The country's current president, Dilma considered his hand-picked successor. It is not clear what day the treatment will begin.

ROUSSEFF,

is

Former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio LULA DA SILVA will begin chemotherapy in the coming days to treat a tumour in his larynx, a hospital official said Saturday. The former president will be treated at Sao Paulo's SyrianLebanese Hospital, said hospital spokeswoman Mirtes BOGEA. It is not clear what day the treatment will begin. LULA, 66, was diagnosed Saturday morning after undergoing medical examinations, BOGEA said. "This is a localised tumour," noted BOGEA. She added that the tumour has not metastasized, a characteristic of most cancerous cells. LULA, one of Brazil's most popular leaders, helped craft the nation into a major global economy. Presidents, however, are barred from running for a third consecutive term. The country's current leader, Dilma ROUSSEFF, is considered his hand-picked successor. ROUSSEFF is the first woman to hold the presidency. For the full story, please click on this link.

Chewing tobacco. Paan, areca nut and gutka are as dangerous as smoking tobacco, if not more so. Sex. Experts now think that Human papilloma virus... transmitted during oral sex... could soon overtake alcohol and smoking as the major cause of mouth cancer. Diet. Poor diet is associated with up to a third of mouth cancer cases. Fruit, vegetables, egg and fish consumption help to lower your risk. Dental hygiene. Recent research in the US found that people with chronic gum disease had an increased risk of developing oral and neck cancers. Mouth cancer warning signs. Around two-thirds of mouth cancer cases are discovered in the later stages of the disease. But early detection of mouth cancer can improve five year survival rates to 90%. Regular dental checkups may catch the disease in its early stages before you are even aware it exists. Common symptoms which you should always get checked out include: Ulcers which dont heal within three weeks. Red and white patches in the mouth. Any unusual changes, lumps and swellings in the mouth
(can be painless).

ABITS THAT CAN Lead To Mouth Cancer. This article was published in Healthy st Living on Monday, 31 October 2011: Mouth cancer is one of the least well known cancers, but it kills more people each year than testicular and cervical cancer combined. In the UK, the number of new cases have soared by nearly 50% in the past ten years. Each year around 6,000 people are diagnosed with the disease, and around 1,800 people die from it. This year, as part of Mouth Cancer Action Month, the British Dental Health Association are aiming to increase awareness of the warning signs and risk factors for mouth cancer, and urge people If in doubt, get checked out. Habits that put you at risk of mouth cancer Everyday habits that increase your risk of mouth cancer include: Smoking. This is the number one risk factor for mouth cancer. The saliva in your mouth helps spread around the carcinogens in cigarette smoke, increasing your risk. Alcohol. Helps smoke absorption in the mouth, so drinking alcohol while smoking increases your risk of mouth cancer even more. If you smoke and drink heavily you are 30 times more likely to develop mouth cancer.

EAD & NECK Cancer Research Priority Setting Partnership. Details about this project are available at: http://www.lindalliance.org/head-neck-cancer.asp. The deadline for submissions has been extended to th Wednesday, 30 November 2011. It is now possible to submit suggestions for treatment uncertainties online, without using email or snail-mail. Please go to: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Head_Neck_CancerResearch_Priority_Setting_Partnership Those who do not have access to a computer and who wish to participate in this survey should contact Geoff. ELPING TO EASE Hospital Parking Stress. This editorial was published in The Herald on Monday, th 7 November 2011. FEW things are more stressful for many people than having to go to hospital... either as a patient, or visitor. But in Plymouth, the experience of visiting Derriford Hospital can be made even more distressing because of difficulties in finding car parking spaces. So anything which will help improve the situation, a long-running problem as old as the hospital itself, ought... in theory... to be welcomed. Certainly plans put forward by hospital managers to tackle onsite traffic problems should go some way towards easing the frustration which so many patients and visitors experience. Construction of a new multi-storey car park, barriers with pay on exit machines, the freezing of parking charges for several years and electronic signs indicating where spaces are available will all help, and will be enthusiastically welcomed by many. The scale of the parking problems plaguing Derriford is highlighted in a report from Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, for the city council's Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee. This states: "Difficulty in parking and finding the entrance to the hospital is stressful for patients and members of the public, 4

Contact The Voice of PLC Newsletter Editor Geoff Read on (01752) 563800 or 0774581928 (text only) or email: saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk, or go to PLC website at http://plymouthlc.webs.com

and can have a profoundly negative effect on their experience." So these moves will doubtless prove popular and be seen as a positive step forward. Not so, however, will be the controversial move to cut free parking at the hospital from 45 minutes to just 15. This facility was introduced in May 2009 to help people dropping off and picking up patients. But the report says that this has been "heavily abused", and led to an average reduction in monthly car parking income of 10,786. Clearly, to the trust which is watching every penny in its efforts to meet budget requirements this cannot go on. If this "perk" goes, it will spark much protest. But unfortunately, it would seem that the finger of blame for this should point at those who have abused this system, who have now spoiled things for everyone. To read more please click on this link.

ATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LARYNGECTOMEE CLUBS (NALC). We received a letter from the Association th Secretary on Tuesday, 11 October 2011. The letter contained the dates of the 2012 General Committee Meetings to be held in London as follows:
Monday, 30th January 2012 Monday, 26th March 2012 Monday, 2nd July 2012 Monday, 1st October 2012

If any Club Member wishes to attend these meetings as our Club Representative then do please let Geoff know. It may be possible to claim back your travel expenses. The letter also contained the Minutes of the General rd Committee Meeting held in London on Monday, 3 October 2011. The salient points are:
16 attended. 10 apologised. Current account: 64,050. Business account: : 34,818 The current account is high because NALC has to pay 25,000 to Macmillan for the back rent on its property. Staff pensions also need to be paid. 70 attended NALC Annual Luncheon at Penrith in the Lake District in September 2010.

ORD GOULD, STRATEGIST Behind New Labour, Dies of Cancer At 61. This article was published in the Daily th Mail by Michael Seamark on Tuesday, 8 November 2011. Philip GOULD, one of the architects of New Labour, has died aged 61 following a battle with cancer. The political strategist and pollster was one of Tony BLAIR's most trusted advisers and a key figure behind the party's three consecutive general election victories. Little known outside Westminster, Lord GOULD urged Labour to listen to polls and 'focus groups' to discover what voters wanted. Lord GOULD, who became a life peer in 2004, had undergone treatment for cancer of the oesophagus, but the illness later recurred. In his final television interview, in September, he said he believed that the 'nastiness' of politics had contributed to his cancer. He was asked by Andrew MARR in September about something 'that your wife Gail said to you; that politics, being involved in politics, was somehow connected to your cancer; that the nastiness of politics and the aggression of politics had somehow contributed to your cancer?' Lord GOULD replied: 'Yes, I think that's true. What would have been better for me would have been to have said I'll do what I can do, which I do quite well, and then just push it back a little bit. 'And of course the other side of it is that it's only because I'm an obsessive nutcase when it comes to politics that I've done what I've done.' For more on this article please click here.

If any Club Member wishes to see the hard copies of these documents they should contact Geoff.

EW SERVICE LAUNCHED at the Mustard Tree Macmillan Centre To Support People Living With And Beyond st Cancer. This is a Press Release issued on Friday, 21 October 2011. Geoff was in attendance representing the PLC. An exciting new service, funded by Macmillan Cancer Support for people living with and beyond cancer will be launched on st Friday, 21 October at 1 p.m., at the Mustard Tree Macmillan Centre, Derriford Hospital. When people are affected by cancer, the difference between a good day and a bad day can often come down to really small things whereby providing the right support at the right time in the right place can make all the difference. For many years The Mustard Tree Macmillan Centre and its outreach sites at Kingsbridge, Tavistock and Liskeard have been places where people can go for support, advice and information. Each Centre offers a friendly space where patients their families and carers can ask questions, share concerns and discuss with Cancer Support Specialists how cancer is affecting daily life. A wide range of information booklets and services are on offer including:
Benefits advice Counselling Complementary therapies Support coping with hair loss and choosing wigs Support groups and other activities

ACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT. We have received a copy of the fifth issue of the Macmillan Learn Zone Update newsletter. 2011 has been a busy year with lots of new e-learning courses and resources launched. Macmillan has put together a quick summary of all the best bits from the year so far. Please click on this link to find out more. Geoff has sent copies out to those on-line. If any Member not on-line wishes to have access to this information then please contact Geoff.

The Living With and Beyond Cancer Service funded by Macmillan Cancer Support will enable services to be extended to include:
A dedicated telephone support and information line. One to one consultations with specialist support staff. Education sessions and workshops offering advice on a range of health and wellbeing topics. Signposting to a wide range of services and support within local communities. Appropriate fitness, activity and exercise for health and wellbeing. Information and support within the workplace.

Contact The Voice of PLC Newsletter Editor Geoff Read on (01752) 563800 or 0774581928 (text only) or email: saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk, or go to PLC website at http://plymouthlc.webs.com

Debbie CLIFT, from the Macmillan Project Team said, Cancer affects every part of life, not just your health. The NHS is good at treating illness, but we know that there is a gap when it comes to managing the impact that cancer has on everything else. We want to be able to help to fill this gap and to support people to live well with and beyond a cancer diagnosis. At the heart of this enhanced service is knowledge of the local area. We have done extensive work on making sure we are aware of the many and varied support services that are available in communities. The other really important aspect of the service is time. Our dedicated staff are able to provide one-to-one conversations and personal solutions for people... this isnt a one-size-fits-all project... its about finding out about specific needs and working with the individual or family concerned to find support that is tailored to them. We will be running rolling education programmes covering self management issues and ensuring patients, their families and carers have access to the most up to date and well evidenced information covering this. We are also going to be running education sessions for the wider community... employers, employees and others... so that they are more aware of the impact that a cancer diagnosis can have, and how they can help and support their colleague or friend. We are really excited about this project. We have been piloting it over the last few months, and the feedback has been fantastic. Ed MURPHY, Senior Macmillan Development Manager at Macmillan Cancer Support said, More people are living longer with cancer, so it is vital that we help them to live well. Macmillan Cancer Support is very pleased to be funding this project at the Mustard Tree Macmillan Centre as we know that it will have a real impact on the quality of peoples lives. Feedback from users of the service to date include:
I Felt very low after treatment finished for second diagnosis of cancer-counselling sessions were arranged promptly. I was given very helpful advice on coping with after effects of cancer - including techniques for reducing stress. Felt better straight away with the reassurance that the way I was feeling was perfectly normal. Given good advice on when to introduce exercise and the benefits of this - Ideas as to what sort of exercise might be good for me - taking into account my interests and lifestyle. Exercise did make me feel better and more confident about dealing with the physical demands of returning to work. My referral to the team meant that I could get on with my life as much as possible whilst having cancer treatment and be assured that future support will be provided, whenever I need it, for all aspects of living with and beyond cancer

About Macmillan Cancer Support Cancer is the toughest fight most of us will ever face. But you dont have to go through it alone. The Macmillan team is with you every step of the way, from the nurses and therapists helping you through treatment to the campaigners improving cancer care. Whatevers on your mind, were here. Call the Macmillan team free on 0808 808 0000 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. -8 p.m.) or visit www.macmillan.org.uk

LATON MEDICAL: The LaryLife Magazine. Geoff has received his glossy magazine for SeptemberOctober 2011. Those members on-line who do not currently receive a copy can subscribe by clicking on this link. Those not on line should ask Geoff to open an subscription account on their behalf.

P T

LYMOUTH LINk NEWSLETTER. Geoff emailed out Issue No. 15 (October 2011) of the Plymouth LINk Newsletter to those on-line. Those not on-line and who would like to receive a hard copy should contact Geoff. HE PLYMOUTH THIRD Sector Consortium (PTSC). PLC is a member of this consortium which has now changed its name to Community & Social Action Plymouth (CASAP). And it changed its logo at the same time. This means that PLC will have to update all its documentation accordingly. Geoff emailed the CASAPs November Newspage to nd Members on Wednesday, 2 November 2011. Those without computer access should contact Geoff should they wish to see a hard copy.

HE RUDEST HOSPITALS in Britain. This article, including the table below, was published in th the Daily Mail on Tuesday, 8 November 201: A Good Health investigation, using Freedom of Information requests, found a troubling lack of basic care and sympathy. 49% of complaints were about doctors, 29% about nurses, 6% about administration staff and 2% midwives. Kate WIGHTON reports on the soaring number of complaints against hospital staff... To read the full article, please click on this link.

The launch showcased some of the support available through this project, and featured some interviews with people already helped, as well as interviews with staff and representatives from Macmillan. The new service is based at the Mustard Tree Macmillan Centre, Derriford Hospital, but has regular outreach sessions in Liskeard, Tavistock and Kingsbridge. The Advice Line can be called on (01752) 431467.

Contact The Voice of PLC Newsletter Editor Geoff Read on (01752) 563800 or 0774581928 (text only) or email: saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk, or go to PLC website at http://plymouthlc.webs.com

HE SPEAK EASY CLUB Newsletter. A copy of the October 2011 Newsletter has been sent out to those on-line. If there is any Club Member who is not on-line and wishes to have a hard copy then please contact Geoff. Click to view it online.

Click to view albums our Facebook Page.

P TO 40% of Cancers 'Are Caused By Viruses': Discovery Offers Hope of Vaccines and New Therapies. This article was published in The Mail by Tamara Cohen on th Monday, 17 October 2011: Viruses may cause up to 40% of cancers including brain tumours and leukaemia, scientists claim. If they are proved correct in further tests, it could pave the way for vaccinations against several types of cancer and therapies to cure them. The claim follows research which has discovered viruses in types of cancer which were never thought to have been linked with infection. Vaccination: The research study using DNA analysis has shown that viruses could be implicated as the cause of 40% of the 200 forms of cancer. More than 300,000 people a year are diagnosed with cancer in the UK, of whom half will die from the disease. Nobel Prize winner Harald zur HAUSEN, who jointly discovered the link between cervical cancer and Human papillomavirus (HPV) in the 1980s, said he expected more discoveries to follow and suggested that viruses could be involved in cancer of the skin, breast, gut and lungs. But scientists warn it could take a long time and huge investment before vaccines are developed. Alan RICKINSON, professor of cancer studies at Birmingham University, said: If we can understand how these viruses work we could prevent people from contracting them and even create therapies that use the patients own immune system to destroy infected or cancerous cells. The process still confounds experts because viruses work by invading cells and making them produce more viruses. But this process then kills the cell which should mean it cannot become cancerous. One theory is that cancer-causing viruses can remain hidden in cells for years, preventing the cell from repairing mutations. Click to read more.

HE VOICE. This is the official magazine of Countrywide Supplies Ltd. and they have just published Issue No. 6, their Autumn edition. Copies can be viewed on-line by clicking on this link. If any Club Member wishes to have a copy but does not have access to a computer then please contact Geoff.

Contact The Voice of PLC Newsletter Editor Geoff Read on (01752) 563800 or 0774581928 (text only) or email: saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk, or go to PLC website at http://plymouthlc.webs.com

The Plymouth Laryngectomy Club (PLC)

is a Charitable Cancer Support Group. PLC aims to offer support and care to laryngectomees and their carers and families. PLC also encourages understanding and support by the public. And, just for those who may not be aware... Laryngectomy is the removal of the larynx and separation of the airway from the mouth, nose and oesophagus. The Laryngectomee breaths through the neck, a stoma. It is done in the cases of laryngeal cancer. However, many laryngeal cancer cases are now treated only with radiation and chemotherapy, or other laser procedures, and Laryngectomy is performed when those treatments fail to conserve the larynx. If youre a Laryngectomee you would be most welcome to come along on your own or with your partner and / or Carer.

Come join us!

Our Members and Friends meet on the first Monday of every month. Do please see our website for further details.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Our grateful thanks to :

THE PLYMOUTH DIOCESE

http://www.plymouth-diocese.org.uk/

for their assistance in reproducing copies of this newsletter.

The Plymouth Laryngectomy Club (PLC) is an Affiliated Member of: The National Association of Laryngectomy Clubs (NALC) In Association with Macmillan Cancer Support Registered Charity Number: 273635 Our Funder: Macmillan Cancer Support A Member of Community & Social Action Plymouth (CASAP) Patrons & Medical Advisors : Mr. W.M. BRIDGER, FRCS - Consultant ENT Surgeon, Mr. Tass MALIK, BSc FRCS (Gen), FRCS (ORL H&N) - Consultant Otolaryngologist, Head & Neck / Thyroid Surgeon, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth.