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Lesley Smith

@lesleysmith.bsky.social
733 followers 1.3K following 186 posts

Former lead at NHS England for #LivingWithAndBeyondCancer. Trustee of the Pelvic Radiation Disease Association PRDA.org.uk | Views my own | Quality of life really matters

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Reposted by Lesley Smith
Eric Topol @erictopol.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Exercise slowed epigenetic aging again. This time in a randomized controlled trial among breast cancer survivors. academic.oup.com/jnci/advance...
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Lesley Smith @lesleysmith.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Congratulations to Adam Biran and co-authors for this very insightful and useful article to guide improvements in information provision about bowel symptoms for people before and after pelvic radiotherapy #PelvicRadiationDisease link.springer.com/article/10.1...
link.springer.com
A qualitative exploration of information access and provision for cancer survivors experiencing chronic bowel symptoms after pelvic radiotherapy: informing a framework to guide improvements to informa...
Purpose For people living with and beyond cancer, access to clear, accurate, relevant information is crucial for meaningful participation in shared decision-making and is associated with better qualit...
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Lesley Smith @lesleysmith.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
“It bears repeating that it is no longer ethical to assign individuals [affected by cancer] to not receive exercise” “It is time for health systems to fund and implement the care that we already know works” Great piece in @thelancetoncol.bsky.social www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
thelancet.com
Exercise oncology: from trials and guidelines to routine clinical care
In oncology practice, there are trade-offs between quality of life and survival for many therapies. Similar trade-offs exist for drug reimbursement based on therapeutic effectiveness, affected populat...
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Reposted by Lesley Smith
Breast Cancer Now @breastcancernow.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
In this week’s podcast episode, Laura speaks to Dani Binnington about the impact of a cancer-induced menopause and how significantly the menopause, especially after cancer, can affect so many aspects of life. Listen or watch now. www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDcgAjUKc-k
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Lesley Smith @lesleysmith.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Gorgeous day today in Richmond Park. An abundance of robins. The deer gathering for the rutting season. The magnificent oak trees. Squirrels scarpering around for acorns. Bike riders, horse riders, hikers, dog walkers, runners, wedding photography groups 📸 all enjoying the Autumn sun
Herd of deerSunset sky over trees
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Tanita Tikaram @tanitatikaram.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
How I feel right now about the British/ 🇬🇧English( whatever) political landscape is that some one wrapped in a Union Jack could whack me over the head with a flag pole & the BBC would shove a microphone in my face asking why I provoked the attacker & the Home Sec would invite the attacker for tea .
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Cancer Therapy Advisor @cancertherapyadv.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
A study in Cancer analyzing 1,581 male childhood cancer survivors found many underestimate their long-term risk for sexual dysfunction, even after high-risk treatments. Find all the data here: bit.ly/3UZ8Jb3 #PediatricCancer #CancerCare
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PRDA @prda.org.uk · 17/09/2026
An important discussion at #PRDA26 this morning from Dr Claire Higham on prediction, prevention and management of radiotherapy related insufficiency fractures. Find the RadBone feasibility study here: bmjopen.bmj.com/content/12/6/e056600 #PelvicRadiationDisease #RRIF
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PRDA @prda.org.uk · 17/09/2026
Fascinating research being shared at #PRDA26 by Mr Ramesh Thurairaja, exploring the efficacy of RADA16 in the management of radiation cystitis. Emerging evidence is an important part of improving care for people living with Pelvic Radiation Disease. #PelvicRadiationDisease
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PRDA @prda.org.uk · 17/09/2026
Research and evidence are at the heart of #PRDA26. Prof. Stephen Radley is sharing results from the PRD e PAQ pilot study in Sheffield and exploring what this research could contribute to our understanding and management of Pelvic Radiation Disease. #PelvicRadiationDisease
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PRDA @prda.org.uk · 17/09/2026
Dr Lisa Durrant sharing the story of how a patient complaint helped lead to the development of a commissioned regional radiotherapy late effects service. A common thread at #PRDA26: the importance of patient experience and how it can help drive meaningful improvements in care.
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PRDA @prda.org.uk · 17/09/2026
Wonderful to hear from Robyn Bowman, sharing Between the Navel and the Knees, an award winning series of sexual function videos. A resource helping to open up conversations around sexual function and improve support for people affected by #PelvicRadiationDisease #PRDA26
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Lesley Smith @lesleysmith.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Going to be a great day!
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British Geriatrics Society @gerisoc.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
In the latest BGS blog, Anna Murray, Senior Programme Manager at Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance, shares an insight into the area’s Frailty in Cancer Programme and the Cheshire and Merseyside Frailty in Cancer Assessment and Management Guidance, endorsed by the BGS. buff.ly/adD95Zn
bgs.org.uk
The Cheshire and Merseyside Frailty in Cancer Programme: Working towards frailty-attuned cancer care | British Geriatrics Society
Anna Murray is a Senior Programme Manager works for Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance (CMCA). She currently leads the Frailty in Cancer Programme for the area, with clinical leadership from…
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Alasdair MacLullich @amaclullich.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
507 people with advanced lung cancer got palliative care either every four weeks, or only at key moments with regular checks in between. 2.4 visits against 4.7. Quality of life at six months was no worse. Days in hospice were lower: 19.5 against 34.6. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/388...
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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Jen L, PhD @drjkyl.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Difficult conversations in bladder cancer survivorship: Integrating mental health and intimacy into routine urologic care Bladder Cancer @journals.sagepub.com journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/... #BCAN #cancercare #oncology #openaccess
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Marcus Chown @marcuschown.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
“Help! My children are drowning!” “Sorry, mate, you’re brown.” Who wants to live in a country where people don’t go to the rescue of men, women and children in danger of losing their lives? The racists do. Please support the wonderful RNLI rnli.org/support-us/g...
rnli.org
Donate to the RNLI and help save lives at sea
Your donations really make a difference. We depend on your generosity to educate people to stay safe and prevent tragedies on and offshore. Donate here.
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Lesley Smith @lesleysmith.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Why not also use AI to prevent or reduce risk of cancer in the first place? 🤔 Or to support behaviour change after cancer treatment to help reduce side effects & risk of recurrence? 💪🏃‍♂️
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Lesley Smith @lesleysmith.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Fantastic blog by Hilly Webb-Peploe on the importance of psychological expertise in cancer care - that it should “no longer seen as the optional ‘cherry-on-top’, but the enabling and enriching ‘yeast’ embedded throughout cancer services” 👏 blogs.bmj.com/spcare/2026/... #CancerQualityOfLife
blogs.bmj.com
Psychological expertise in the national cancer plan: an implicit ingredient? – BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care
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Charlie Jones @charliepsych.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
A 'whole society' approach to healthcare & health, supported by decades of social policies. In Denmark 🇩🇰 You can't just 'fix the NHS' & expect similar outcomes. Denmark's approach is better.
Excerpt from article that says:

"...people tend to reach hospital in better shape than those in the UK. That difference comes from decades of social policies that support welfare, reduce inequality, improve housing and build a strong culture of prevention. By contrast, the UK has tried to use the NHS to treat its way out of deeper social and economic problems, even though no amount of NHS spending on its own can fix issues that start long before someone walks into a clinic."
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John Sheridan RN @johnsheridanrn.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
NHS England is holding a webinar to share Dignity and Compassion developments. This webinar will look to: Share case studies and examples of best practice developed to improve quality and experience around dignity and compassion at the end-of-life
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Charlie Jones @charliepsych.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
The Channel 4 revelations might not immediately change the minds of people who vote Reform. But it absolutely should change the position of the media giving them so much air time. Outlets that continue to fawn to them expose themselves as having zero credibility.
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Journal of the American Geriatrics Society (JAGS) @agsjournal.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
A telehealth geriatric assessment and management intervention increased approach-oriented coping among older adults with metastatic cancer. agsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com…
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International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) @siogorg.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Missed it live? The SIOG Webinar on geriatric assessment in routine cancer care is now on demand. loom.ly/QX6EvEA #GeriatricOncology #GeriOnc
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International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) @siogorg.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
What does bringing geriatric assessment into routine practice actually look like? This #SIOGwebinar on 5 August at 15:00 CEST has two clinicians sharing their experiences. Free, open to all. Register: loom.ly/svYTJsA #GeriatricOncology #GeriOnc
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Lesley Smith @lesleysmith.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
📣 Free event on late effects of pelvic radiotherapy- great learning and networking opportunity. See you there!
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National Lung Cancer Audit @nlca-natcan.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
🎯 The intervention focuses on improving access to Lung Cancer Nurse Specialists (LCNS), helping to improve patient experience, treatment access, and outcomes.
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Lesley Smith @lesleysmith.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
Am now retired from @england.nhs.uk through voluntary redundancy but it will not dim my passion for #LivingWithAndBeyondCancer. I remain as a trustee for @prda.org.uk a small but mighty charity working to improve quality of life for people with difficult chronic problems after pelvic radiotherapy 💙
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Royal College of Anaesthetists @rcoanews.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Our Centre for Perioperative Care (CPOC) is seeking three Perioperative Local Leads per UK hospital. Interested clinicians & allied health professionals, apply here👉 ow.ly/hRAz50ZzovQ or contact CPOC@rcoa.ac.uk for further information. #Ansky #Medsky
Become a Perioperative Local Lead
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Royal College of Anaesthetists @rcoanews.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Join the conversation on perioperative care, prehabilitation and rehabilitation 🗣️ Connect, learn, and share with Wessex Cancer Alliance, Centre for Perioperative Care (CPOC) & Macmillan Cancer Support. Q community brings together healthcare pros 👏 Join 👉 ow.ly/OBnG50ZA6a5 #Ansky #Medsky
Join our Perioperative Care – Prehabilitation Q Group!
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Sue Ryder @sueryder.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Our Chief Executive @jamescsanderson.bsky.social Sanderson has shared his thoughts with @hsj.co.uk on the challenges facing Integrated Care Boards as they are increasingly asked to prioritise palliative and end-of-life care amid growing financial pressures. www.hsj.co.uk/policy-and-r... (paywall)
A quote reads "Nearly 200,000 people across the country don’t get the palliative care they need. I’m worried that after seeing the scale of the challenges facing ICBs, this new guidance and the evidence exposing the gaps in care could be seen as a burden for the system rather than an enabler to support wider priorities.  Taking more palliative care into the community must be the future of the sector. It offers a cost-effective way to reach more people who need us, and it is where most people want to be cared for.To ensure everyone receives the right care, in the right place, at the right time, stronger integration between these new community services and the palliative care sector will be essential." Attributed to James Sanderson, Chief Executive at Sue Ryder
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Lung Cancer Europe @lungcancereurope.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
One week to go. Our Annual Reports have built more than a decade of evidence from people affected by #lungcancer across Europe. The survey for our 12th Report opens 1 September, focusing on quality of life and support needs. The more people who take part, the stronger the evidence. #LCSM
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Lesley Smith @lesleysmith.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
“Cancer survivors deserve a future free from the burdens of the past. The Right to be Forgotten is the right to live beyond cancer” Great editorial in @thelancetoncol.bsky.social www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
thelancet.com
Beyond cancer: The Right to be Forgotten
In Germany, politicians are pressing the government to end discrimination against people in remission from cancer. Germany remains among the European outliers in obstructing a fresh start for former p...
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Pete Moore @paintoolkit.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
1st cancer Supported Self Management - Online Worldwide Conference 21st November 2026 How to register and more information www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cancer-sup... #selfmgtliving #inspireselfmgt #prehab #cancerselfmgt #livingwellskillz Please share Thank you Pete
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Pete Moore @paintoolkit.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
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Steve Peers @stevepeers.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
If you are an academic still on X, you are facilitating a guy who aims to destroy you
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Lesley Smith @lesleysmith.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Fantastic to read about #LivingWithAndBeyondCancer achievements by @cmcanceralliance.bsky.social ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amazing level of savings from Personalised Stratified Follow Up, which also translates into considerable savings in patient & carer time, travel costs and stress, not to mention CO2 👏👏
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British Geriatrics Society @gerisoc.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Breast Cancer Now clinical nurse specialist, Cassie Kingswell, introduces their new standards of care for older adults with breast cancer on the BGS blog. FInd out more: buff.ly/qYdwQ6y
bgs.org.uk
Introducing Breast Cancer Now’s new standards of care for older adults with breast cancer | British Geriatrics Society
Cassie Kingswell is a Clinical Nurse Specialist at Breast Cancer Now. She has worked cancer services for over a decade, first as a chemotherapy nurse and then a breast cancer clinical nurse…
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Alf Collins @alfcollins.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
It continues to amaze me how much of healthcare relies on patients changing their behaviour, yet how little time is spent training healthcare professionals in behaviour change techniques. There is a pervasive sense of ‘if clinicians tell patients to……, they’ll just do it’
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Carole Cadwalladr @carolecadwalla.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
A professor writes: (Jason Stanley) The problem is that journalists failed to do basic journalism. Not a single reporter seems to have checked’ Jason Arday’s citations. The ‘quantifiable metrics’ of his work. Prof Stanley did: ‘Arday is easily comparable to the leading scholars in the field’
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Lesley Smith @lesleysmith.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Excellent report showing the importance of psychological care as part of cancer care. As lung cancer survival continues to rise, more and more people will need support with #LivingWithAndBeyondCancer with the long term impacts of treatment on physical and mental health
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THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute) @thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk · 19/08/2026
Are you a patient, carer or member of the public interested in sharing your experiences to improve healthcare? The recently launched Voice and Insight Panel is a simple way to learn about and contribute to research. Find out more and join: ths.im/4a4iZDt
Woman drinking a hot drink whilst doing some research on her laptop.
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Lesley Smith @lesleysmith.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Looking forward to seeing you there! #LivingWithAndBeyondCancer #CancerQualityOfLife
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Darren Newman @daznewman.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
If people have worked through the night to count votes because of a pointless by election you have caused then you should have the courage to stand on the platform and say thank you to them. #Clacton
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Count Binface @countbinface.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Checkmate, Nige.
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JAMA @jama.com · 08/08/2026
💡 JAMA Insights: #PhysicalActivity is an effective component of care for people with #chronic #medical conditions, and #clinician #communication can help support behavior change. ja.ma/4z5L5Ji
JAMA document titled 'Communicating With Patients About Physical Activity,' published Aug 6, 2026. It features a table with focus points and practical examples for discussing physical activity, covering topics like opening conversation, supportive communication, safe intensity, and behavior changes.
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Count Binface @countbinface.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
For thousands of years, a solar eclipse has been a prophetic harbinger of a spectacular, epoch-making event. Just saying. #VoteBinface #Clacton
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Jo Morrison @jomorrison.medsky.social · 11/08/2026
Dear BBCR4 news, why are you giving more air time to Trump and his antivax nonsense and repeating the false link with autism? Data show that this strengthens the fake news messaging. It’s irresponsible and not in the public interest #BBCNews @bbcrosatkins.bsky.social @bbcstever.bsky.social
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Henry Mance @henrymance.ft.com · 09/08/2026
Chris Hohn, billionaire hedge fund manager: ‘All these people who say we can't afford net zero - they're completely misunderstanding the gravity of the situation.' www.thetimes.com/article/de38...
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The Mighty Jungle💙💛 @ocanannain.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
Neil Stone
Dr Neil Stone

This is smallpox 

You've never had it or even seen it 

Because of vaccines
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