The Cancer Services User Forum is re-launching its bi-monthly ’Meet the Consultant’ evening next week.

The Cancer Services User Forum (CSUF) exists to contribute to the ongoing development of cancer services in the Isle of Man by providing ideas and feedback from those living with cancer to the Health Services at a strategic level.

Their ’Meet the Consultant’ events each focus on a different type of cancer, and have been running since around 2013, but they had to take a break because of the pandemic.

On Monday, November 8, the event will be resurrected when Professor Partha Vaiude, consultant plastic surgeon and clinical director for cancer services for Manx Care, will be present to speak to all those who attend on the night.

Professor Vaiude will talk about skin cancer, and his vision for the development of cancer services in the island.

Julie Stokes from the CSUF said: ’The idea is that you take the consultant out of the hospital environment.

’Imagine you go into an appointment with a consultant, and it’s all very daunting, and it’s all very scary, and when you get there, you’ve forgotten what to say, you’re stunned really.

’So the idea is you take them out of the hospital environment, put them in a nice room, give everybody a cup of tea - or a glass of wine or whatever else they fancy - and they talk about their speciality and talk about the pathway.’

It is hoped the night will debunk any myths surrounding cancer and break down barriers between the consultant and the patient and their families.

Derek Peters said: ’One of the beauties of it is that the consultants that come out also tell us about who they are.

’It’s really important. We want to know what their speciality is, we want to know what’s happening with cancer services in the island, but we also want to know who they are, what makes them tick.’

David Gawne added that the forum wants to take the fear out of cancer treatment by humanising the island’s consultants.

He said: ’If you’re called in for surgery, you’ve never seen this guy in your life and you’re putting your life in his hands, it’s quite useful if you know a little bit about who he is.’

Professor Vaiude said: ’I am really looking forward to having the chance to speak about my work with members of the CSUF, and providing an insight into the broader provision of cancer services within Manx Care.

’Sadly this is an area which is likely to affect so many of us at some point in our lives - whether that be directly or indirectly.

’I really welcome the opportunity to speak at events such as this, and hopefully to give people reassurance about the services and treatment available and to answer any questions in a friendly and relaxed environment.’

The event is taking place next Monday from 7:30pm at the Palace Hotel in Douglas. For more information, message the CSUF on their Facebook page, or call 498612.