The Isle of Man Cancer Services User Forum’s programme of Meet the Consultant evenings is advancing after the charity received a Celton Manx Recognition award.

The charity supports those living with cancer through information and education, central to which are its bi-monthly evening sessions with cancer specialists.

The charity’s vice-chairman Julie Stokes said: ’When people are first diagnosed with cancer some can be in awe of their specialist.

’They don’t know what questions to ask so don’t always get the most out of their consultations.

’Our Meet the Consultant evenings, though, bring together people whose lives are affected by cancer with consultants in a setting that’s relaxed and informal and less intimidating than a hospital environment can sometimes be.

’This means people feel freer to ask about their disease and are able to be more open about their concerns, while the consultants can provide updates on developments in research and treatment.

’It’s a process that’s very reassuring, not only for those living with cancer but also for their loved ones, and provides opportunities to share experiences and gain strength from meeting survivors.

’We’ve recently held a breast cancer Meet the Consultant evening and are now able to plan well ahead thanks to Celton Manx and the Recognition award, which is really making a massive difference to our programme and to our clients.’

Celton Manx executive director Bill Mummery said: ’Living with cancer can be isolating, but the Meet the Consultant evenings are connecting those affected by cancer with specialists in a way that’s doing much to educate, inform and, importantly, demystify the disease.

’Julie and her team are also serving as the "voice" of cancer patients, providing the island’s under-pressure health services with valuable intelligence at a time when government is drawing increasingly on the third sector’s expertise and insight.

’For these reasons, we determined the Isle of Man Cancer Services User Forum to be a worthy recipient of a Recognition award.’

This year Celton Manx made 27 Recognition awards.