Group Helps Men Open Up About Experiences With Cancer

Men living with cancer in Yorkshire are coping better with the condition thanks to a dedicated meet-up group.

Maggie’s Yorkshire, located in the grounds of St James’s University Hospital in Leeds, runs a monthly group for men with a cancer diagnosis, as well as for those with a loved one who has cancer.

Research has found that men experiencing cancer talking in groups alongside other men can feel really supported and helped. During each session, the members get the chance to meet others in a similar situation, get peer support, and share their own experiences.

Andrew Burnard, Maggie's counselling psychologist, facilitates the group, which is free to attend. Guest speakers in the past include former Leeds Rhinos captain and rugby player Stevie Ward.

Since attending, the group members have found it easier to be more open and talk about cancer.

David Ethell, a group member, began attending sessions following his wife's cancer diagnosis. David said, “The group has made it easier to talk openly about cancer and how you are feeling yourself. Being the husband of someone with cancer is not the same as having cancer, and I met some great people who were in the same situation. Also, you see some of the guys who are really struggling with cancer themselves, which is really tough to watch. But men in that situation alongside other men can be really supportive and empathetic, and a strength and bond is created; even if it’s a look, a smile, a handshake, a hug, it helps so much.”

David went on to say, “We are now 10 months into the cancer journey, and this men’s group at Maggie’s has helped me loads. Even just knowing it’s there when you need it is special; you receive monthly updates via emails, and you feel part of a team, which is so important during these times. Just walk into Maggie's and someone will help you.

Another member of the group, John Newton, visited Maggie’s for support while undergoing radiotherapy and hormone therapy for prostate cancer. John said, “It is too easy to become insular after a diagnosis of cancer, so talking to others about their journey and experiences is powerful. You are not alone. The average age for a prostate cancer diagnosis was 66, but I received my diagnosis at 52. Finding somebody with a similar experience and age has proved difficult, but now I am coming to the understanding that age is irrelevant.”

It comes after a survey led by Maggie’s revealed men can feel guilt and embarrassment following a cancer diagnosis. The survey found that 17% of the 500 men with cancer initially felt embarrassed about their diagnosis, and 12% felt guilty after receiving it. In total, 41% felt anxious, and 23% said they felt loneliness.

Yet nearly 1 in 5 of the men asked said they do not plan to seek additional support beyond what is provided by their medical teams to help with financial, psychological, and emotional issues.

At Maggie’s, our men’s meet-up gives people the chance to express emotions they find difficult to talk about in front of their families and friends. We know from experience that sharing how you feel in a group can make cancer seem more manageable. We would love to see more men coming into Maggie’s Yorkshire and urge anybody interested in joining to just come in, or get in contact with us, to find out more.

Inside Maggie's Yorkshire

The Maggie’s Yorkshire Men’s Meet-up takes place every third Monday of the month, from 10:30am to 12:30pm. It is open to any man with cancer or men who have been impacted by cancer. To book or to find out more, call on 0300 123 180 or email at enquiries@maggies.org. Phone lines and centres are open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.

To find your nearest Maggie’s contact: https://www.maggies.org/

Ian Garner a Board Member of Maggie’s Yorkshire.