The Oesophageal Patients Association

Former patients helping new patients

WHAT WE DO

Our objectives are to help new patients and their families to cope with any difficulties arising as a result of treatments for oesophageal/gastric conditions, (predominantly cancers), giving support and encouraging them to achieve a good quality of life.

This is done by providing:

• Information booklets on matters of concern
• Telephone support line
• Patient support meetings around the U.K

Increasingly it is recognised that contact with a former patient being offered soon after diagnosis can be of real value and should be regarded as part of the treatment programme. However, we recognise that the former patients involved must be knowledgeable and responsible and the OPA is embarking on appropriate training of such volunteers.

Patients may be referred by other agencies, such as Cancerbackup, Core (previously the Digestive Disorders Foundation) doctors or specialist nurses anywhere in the UK and can be helped on our Telephone Support Line or put in touch with a trained former patient where possible. Talking about the problems with someone who knows what they are like (perhaps rather better than the doctor) can be a great relief and there is time to deal with all the questions that seemed too trivial to mention to the doctor or were forgotten at the time.

The Association is represented on various committees involved with research into new treatments and the management of upper GI cancers. Patient involvement is increasingly recognised as a valuable input into the thinking and documentation on such matters.