New display marks cancer diagnoses over Christmas

The display by Yorkshire Cancer Research has opened in Sheffield's Winter Garden

A display representing the average number of people in Yorkshire who are diagnosed with cancer over the Christmas period has opened in Sheffield.

A large bauble draped in 2,600 lights has gone on display in the city's Winter Garden.

It has been organised by the Yorkshire Cancer Research charity as part of a fundraising campaign to boost investment in research to help detect cancer at the earliest stage.

Dr Kathryn Scott, its chief executive, said: "Christmas is a time for support - and if people are receiving a diagnosis at this time of year then it's even more poignant and even more important that the charity is there for them."

Russell McFarlane, 65, was diagnosed with prostate cancer before Christmas last year.

The dad-of-four from Sheffield said he had no symptoms but asked his GP for a test after a family member told him men of African-Caribbean ethnicity were more likely to get prostate cancer.

"I kept wishing people would stop using the word cancer, it stopped me in my tracks and made me realise you've got to get on with things you want to achieve," he said.

"Being diagnosed just before Christmas, I wanted to just put it away in the filing cabinet until January - I was hoping and praying the cancer would remain small."

Russell McFarlane was diagnosed with prostate cancer last Christmas

Rowen McFarlane, his step-daughter, said: "That time of year is usually filled with joy and being together, but suddenly his diagnosis was on everyone's mind.

"We didn't know what was going to happen and that uncertainty was incredibly hard."

Because Mr McFarlane's cancer was detected early he was able to undergo brachytherapy treatment, with minimal side effects.

He has since been told by his consultant, Professor James Catto, that test results indicate his tumour is now shrinking as a result.

"My glass is half full and hopefully, and God willing, I will get through this - I can relax and enjoy myself a little bit more this year," Mr McFarlane said.

"Early detection is pivotal - I give thoughts to those who have not been as fortunate as I have."

Professor Catto, professor of urology at the University of Sheffield, is working with the charity to investigate how a national screening programme for prostate cancer could be introduced for men at risk of developing the disease.

"Christmas can be a difficult time to be told you have cancer or to undergo treatment, it brings home how personal the experience is and how isolating it can feel," he said.

"However, advancements in cancer research are happening right here in our region, giving people the hope of cure and better ways to live with and manage the disease."

If you, or someone you know, has been affected by cancer, BBC Action Line has a list of organisations that may be able to help.

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