Help turn the Oak Cancer Centre into a reality

Natsuko, 55, is being treated at The Royal Marsden for secondary breast cancer. Her breast cancer is HER2 positive so her consultant decided to include her in a clinical trial for lung cancer patients that have the same mutation, receiving chemotherapy alongside immunotherapy.

Thanks to the life-saving power of this treatment, which has historically only been used to treat lung cancer patients, Natsuko’s scans are now completely clear: “It’s a miracle really. The Royal Marsden has saved my life.”

“My life is back to normal, which means working three days a week at a local primary school, running chess club once a week after school and doing volunteer work at a local hospital. The trial and treatment at The Royal Marsden have made it possible to do all these things again.”

“The Royal Marsden means the world to me. I thank them from the bottom of my heart – to everyone funding the trial and the team as well.”

Debbie, 55, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in August 2021: “I could barely eat a teaspoon of food and was struggling to drink properly.” She visited her GP, who carried out some blood tests that highlighted that some markers for cancer were alarmingly high. Scans followed quickly and cancer was diagnosed.

She was referred to The Royal Marsden, where she started chemotherapy to reduce the tumours. Debbie had her final treatment in December and, following successful surgery to remove the remaining tumours, she is recovering well.

Debbie is so thankful that her doctor identified the cancer markers when they did, so she could get the treatment she needed as soon as possible. “We all know early detection saves lives, I’m so grateful to my doctor for this, and to The Royal Marsden for the treatment I received. When I got to The Royal Marsden I felt so hopeful and so reassured, they make you feel like you’re the only patient in their world.”

72-year-old Stuart was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer after doctors discovered a lump. Thanks to the world-class research taking place at The Royal Marsden, he was able to join a clinical trial to receive a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

The groundbreaking treatment worked and, following surgery to remove the tumour, Stuart got the magical ‘all clear’. Since then, he has been able to go back to living his normal life – going skiing, playing squash and spending time with his grandchildren.

“I think we need more good news stories about cancer to encourage others that you can have a positive outcome. I was skiing just eight weeks after my last chemotherapy treatment!”

“The Royal Marsden has kept me going, they’ve done so much for me. The caring nature of the nurses was just tremendous. I felt very privileged to be in their care.”

“I have worked for The Royal Marsden for five years, but in September 2019 I became a patient here too. I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer called HER2. I was booked in for a mastectomy and a reconstruction, which I had in November 2019. I began chemotherapy on Christmas Eve and radiotherapy in April 2020. Today I am doing well and feeling great and that is all thanks to the treatment and care I have received at this wonderful hospital.”

“The design of the new Oak Cancer Centre will create a completely different environment for patients. When the centre is built there will be glass and trees which will make such a huge difference for patients – it won’t feel as clinical, and it will be a nicer place to be seen.”