StriveForFive @striveforfive.bsky.social · 04/04/2026As my content doesn’t get many (if any) views on this platform I won’t be posting here in the future. You can follow Strive for Five on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. I hope to see you there. 000
StriveForFive @striveforfive.bsky.social · 02/02/2026Not my usual Monday night! Watch this space for more information over the coming days! 010
StriveForFive @striveforfive.bsky.social · 31/01/2026Busy week #RepresentingPatients It started in Manchester on the faculty for Junior Investigator Network Group for new researchers Friday I was in London for an energetic and far reaching round table on trust in healthcare. Now for cuddling up with my scruffy mutt Tommy! 000
StriveForFive @striveforfive.bsky.social · 29/01/2026I'm proud to share my first paper as lead author, on the vital topic of INTEGRATING PATIENTS INTO PRECLINICAL AND CLINICAL RESEARCH. This is an example of how I'm trying to improve cancer care. #RepresentingPatients You can read the full paper here: doi.org/10.1080/0300... 1/2doi.orgImproving preclinical and clinical oncology research through patient integrationOver the past few decades, patient centricity has evolved from an idea to a clearly defined component of cancer care, integrated into clinical practice: patients with cancer are now more involved i... 100
StriveForFive @striveforfive.bsky.social · 24/01/2026Please join me in signing this petition asking the NHS to fund free dental care for people who have head & neck cancer. Surely this is a no-brainer for the government? petition.parliament.uk/petitions/74...petition.parliament.ukPetition: Fund free dental care for head & neck cancer patientsWe want the Government to fund free dental care for head and neck cancer patients both during and after treatment to address the significant oral health challenges that survivors may face, and to impr... 010
StriveForFive @striveforfive.bsky.social · 16/01/2026I was honoured to be invited to write this piece for Cancer Research UK Science and Innovation, sharing how lived experience can positively shape research - a topic I'm passionate about! #RepresentingPatients #PatientEngagement news.cancerresearchuk.org/2026/01/15/m...news.cancerresearchuk.orgMaking your research better: a patient perspective - Cancer Research UK - Cancer NewsSteve Clark tells us why patient involvement is so much more than just a requirement - it can actually bolster your research in surprising ways... 030
StriveForFive @striveforfive.bsky.social · 15/01/2026How long does it take to achieve change - it took 11 years to get Avastin approved for NHS prescription for bowel cancer! We eventually got it over the line just before Christmas. The key factors are determination, resilience and teamwork This was my entry to campaigning 010
StriveForFive @striveforfive.bsky.social · 14/01/2026I’m excited to be #RepresentingPatients at the 8th Patient Centricity & Collaboration Congress 2026 Europe in London on 25 and 26 February. My topic is one I’m passionate about: IMPROVING COMMUNICATION IN HEALTHCARE NEEDS A COLLABORATIVE SOLUTION Who’ll be there? #PCCWC26 010
StriveForFive @striveforfive.bsky.social · 11/01/202612 years ago I had a fab party go say thank you to all the friends and family who helped me get through my stage 4 diagnosis, surgery and intensive chemo. I couldn’t have done it without their amazing help and support. A great time was had by all and it was my first time singing with the band! 080
StriveForFive @striveforfive.bsky.social · 22/12/2025Merry Christmas, especially for everyone going through chemo right now Christmas is a great time but can be overwhelming when on treatment, so take time out when you need to, but don’t lock yourself away Laughter truly is great medicine - remember to have fun! MERRY CHRISTMAS 🎄 010
StriveForFive @striveforfive.bsky.social · 20/10/2025Sharing a fond memory - in 2014, a year after being diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer, I passed the Budokon MMA red belt This shows that A DIAGNOSIS OF STAGE 4 CANCER DOESN’T HAVE TO BE THE END OF YOUR LIFE, IT CAN BE THE REASON TO START LIVING IT! 010
StriveForFive @striveforfive.bsky.social · 12/10/202590% of cancers happen in people over 50. @nature.com has an interesting edition focussing on cancer in OVER 50s - why do risks of getting cancer increase with age - how does cancer treatment affect aging process - how do cancer treatments affect different age groups www.nature.com/articles/s41...nature.comFocusing on the complex and dynamic interplay between ageing and cancerNature Reviews Cancer - This Focus issue highlights current research at the intersection of ageing and cancer, and explores how insights gained from this may lead to better cancer prevention... 000
StriveForFive @striveforfive.bsky.social · 17/09/2025ne thing about being a patient engagement consultant and patient advocate who is living life with a serious disease, is that I have to jump through certain hoops every now and again, and regular CT scans are part of this. However I've never had a CT with pomp and circumstance! 1/3 100
StriveForFive @striveforfive.bsky.social · 17/09/2025I love being able to champion change for patients by using my patient advocate experience & my pharma expertise. I’m grateful to @AdelphiGroup for inviting me to be part of such a challenging and forward-focussed session in Manchester last week. 1/3 #RepresentingPatients 100
StriveForFive @striveforfive.bsky.social · 06/08/2025I'm excited to be presenting "Effective Clinical Communication is Crucial for Patient Empowerment" at next month's conference, it looks like a great two day programme For more information on the conference: patient-empowerment.com #PatientEmpowerment25 #RepresentingPatients 000
StriveForFive @striveforfive.bsky.social · 31/07/2025One of the privileges of being a Patient Advocate is that I get to #RepresentPatients. Recently I was asked to give the patient perspective on the future of DISEASE PREVENTION An excellent report has been published HERE: pharmaphorum.com/patients/pre... 1/2pharmaphorum.comA prevention healthcare revolution: The future of pharmaExplore the future of pharma as systems, data, and digital tools revolutionise prevention healthcare. Stay ahead with these industry insights! 100
StriveForFive @striveforfive.bsky.social · 22/07/2025Proud to have been involved in the GOOD PATIENT PARTNERSHIP GUIDE, a great initiative to encourage pharma to work with patients to help improve health literacy - critically important to help set patients up for treatment success precisionaq.com/en-gb/good-pat… #RepresentingPatients 000
StriveForFive @striveforfive.bsky.social · 21/07/2025Sometimes I have to remind myself that “living life with stage 4 cancer” is about LIVING LIFE! Last week I took Tommy on a little tour visiting family & friends then had a few days in the Peak District Great adventure #Stage4 #stage4cancer #LivingLifeWithCancer 000
StriveForFive @striveforfive.bsky.social · 08/07/2025What a great experience - spent Thursday and Friday in Harrogate with @cancerresearchuk.org for their ALL FELLOWS meeting - an opportunity to meet and network with talented cancer researchers from across the UK. 1/4 #CRUKAllFellows 100
StriveForFive @striveforfive.bsky.social · 02/07/2025Here’s a new app giving access to the only bespoke, managed mobile database of bowel disease related research - could be a useful tool for any colorectal cancer patients looking for active studies. Great initiative from Bowel Research UK and Acpgbi bowelresearchuk.org/trialsapp/ 000
StriveForFive @striveforfive.bsky.social · 25/06/2025Misinformation is rife around cancer and it’s putting people’s lives at risk This report on BBC Panorama shines a light on these dangers and is worth a watch Even Strive for Five is targeted by people peddling fake cures www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...bbc.co.ukPanorama - Cancer Conspiracy Theories: Why Did Our Sister Die?Marianna Spring investigates the rise of health conspiracy theories. Are social media companies’ algorithms pushing potentially harmful content at vulnerable patients? 000
StriveForFive @striveforfive.bsky.social · 08/06/2025Being in a clinical trial can gain access to the latest treatments and help us all learn more about medicines in development. The big challenge is often finding out about them - that’s where this site is excellent, best I’ve found: clinicaltrials.gov 000
StriveForFive @striveforfive.bsky.social · 07/06/2025This afternoon I had great fun recording a podcast as part of Chris Nichols’ series called “About Time”, we talked about Strive for Five and Beyond & so much more! You can find the series here, it's a great listen: open.spotify.com/show/4hPwWq5... 000
StriveForFive @striveforfive.bsky.social · 24/05/202512 years ago today I was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel (colorectal) cancer When I was told “it’s spread to your liver and both lungs” I thought my life was over, but thanks to great medical & surgical care, and the support of my incredible friends and family, I’M STILL HERE! 1/6 100
StriveForFive @striveforfive.bsky.social · 24/05/2025Two sides of Wednesday -what a difference! Started with my CT. I’m allergic to the contrast so I have to be on cetirizine and steroids, which ramps up the anxiety. Had to revisit the importance of the tip on coping with SCANXIETY (attached for anyone going through this) 1/3 110
StriveForFive @striveforfive.bsky.social · 14/05/2025Let’s talk about food - can it cause cancer, and can it prevent cancer? In their latest video, @cancerresearchuk.org talk to Professor Marc Gunter to tackle this issue - it’s worth a watch! youtu.be/RxxjbuC7Ct4youtu.beCan foods be cancerous? | That Cancer Conversation Podcast #diet #cancer #superfoodsYouTube video by Cancer Research UK 000
StriveForFive @striveforfive.bsky.social · 13/05/2025Thank you to all the amazing nurses who’ve done so much to help me on my cancer journey over the past 11 years - I literally wouldn’t be here without you. Thank you to all the nurses, what you do makes a real difference, we all appreciate you. #InternationalNursesDay 010
StriveForFive @striveforfive.bsky.social · 28/03/2025“The Prevention Revolution in your Healthcare” was the bold title of our expert panel yesterday afternoon at the #Anthropy25 meeting at Eden Project in Cornwall. The whole discussion will be captured and condensed into a paper which will be published soon, watch this space! 100
StriveForFive @striveforfive.bsky.social · 26/03/2025I’m already feeling inspired and #Anthropy25 has only just started! I’m at the Eden Project for the next few days & presenting in the session “The Prevention Revolution in Your Healthcare” where I’ll be representing the patient perspective #RepresentingPatients 000
StriveForFive @striveforfive.bsky.social · 24/03/2025Excited to share our new white paper on engaging patients fully in the development of their medicines! We hope is an interesting and stimulating paper. I'm looking forward to hearing your responses and opinions Check out the full manifesto here: bit.ly/4kXKpPmbit.lyHOT OFF THE PRESS: ISPEP white paper on 'Do you mean it Pharma? Keeping promises to patients'Website created by 010
StriveForFive @striveforfive.bsky.social · 20/03/2025March is International #ColorectalCancerAwareness Month, so I’m sharing this vid from a few years ago emphasising that there is hope with stage 4 cancer. It’s vital to go to your doctor if things don’t feel “quite right”. I wouldn’t be here if I’d ignored my symptoms. youtu.be/MLI-EmtH8NA?...youtu.beSteve's story | Bowel Cancer UKYouTube video by Bowel Cancer UK 100
StriveForFive @striveforfive.bsky.social · 03/03/2025I was so grateful to receive this heartwarming message about the recent Podcast I recorded. So glad it’s of help. You can hear the full episode here: player.captivate.fm/episode/74678f… This is what we talked about (we covered a lot in 20 minutes): 1/3 110
StriveForFive @striveforfive.bsky.social · 01/03/2025I’ve learned so much at the Patient Centricity & Collaboration World Congress in London. So many inspirational people from patient advocacy, pharma companies and communication / education / research companies all in one place with one goal - to improve healthcare! 1/4 100
StriveForFive @striveforfive.bsky.social · 25/02/2025So happy that the scan confirmed that "watch-and-wait" was the right approach - the area of concern was scar tissue I’ve updated the blog - while waiting can feel counter-intuitive to us as patients, it is actually a positive medical approach www.striveforfive.org/why-do-we-ha...striveforfive.orgWhy do we have to wait? [updated Feb 2025] – STRIVE FOR FIVE 010
StriveForFive @striveforfive.bsky.social · 12/02/2025Wow, only two weeks to the Patient Centricity World Congress in London. Very excited to be part of the opening panel. We’ll be discussing “Effective patient engagement essential for defining outcomes that are truly reflective of what matters most to patients” 1/2 100
StriveForFive @striveforfive.bsky.social · 05/02/2025Yesterday was #WorldCancerDay, it's a chance to share what I learned from a group of cancer patients. This can be summarised in 4 areas & 2 themes 4 areas Research-Access-Care-Support 2 themes: patients need the SCIENCE, & equally important are the so called SOFT SKILLS 1/2 120
StriveForFive @striveforfive.bsky.social · 15/01/2025Great news that at last the bowel cancer screening tests in England will be sent out to people as young as 50 years of age. This brings us into line with policy in Scotland and Wales. news.cancerresearchuk.org/2025/01/14/b...news.cancerresearchuk.orgNHS England starts sending bowel cancer screening tests to over-50s - Cancer Research UK - Cancer NewsEveryone aged between 50 and 52 in England is now set to receive an at-home bowel cancer screening (FIT) test. 100
StriveForFive @striveforfive.bsky.social · 05/01/2025One project from 2024 that I’m particularly proud to have been involved in is this report on GENDER BIAS IN ONCOLOGY. Please take a look at this paper and let us know your thoughts. 1/5 www.ipsos.com/en-uk/gender... #ispep #RepresentingPatients #GenderBiasipsos.comGender Bias: The ‘Invisible’ Barrier to Equitable HealthcareThe role of cultural and societal gender bias on the delivery, and experience, of oncology care in the UK. 110
StriveForFive @striveforfive.bsky.social · 21/12/2024Wishing a very happy Christmas to everyone who follows Strive for Five. Instead of Christmas cards I’ve made a donation to Cancer Research UK to help support their essential work. @cancerresearchuk.org 010
StriveForFive @striveforfive.bsky.social · 17/12/2024Being told we have to wait for the next scan before treatment can start feels crazy - I've experienced this a few times In my blog I discuss why doctors opt for "watch & wait" instead of zapping straight away Hope it helps Big hugs www.striveforfive.org/why-do-we-ha... 000
StriveForFive @striveforfive.bsky.social · 06/12/2024One of the big challenges after a cancer diagnosis is getting travel insurance. Yesterday Radio 4 featured the story of how this company was formed and includes good explanations of the problems we can face with some insurance companies. Worth a listen 👍 www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...bbc.co.ukYou and Yours - Gap Finders: Fiona Macrae - BBC SoundsFiona Macrae set up travel insurance brand InsuranceWith. 000
StriveForFive @striveforfive.bsky.social · 29/11/2024I’ve recorded a podcast for the International Society for Patient Engagement Professionals It’s always a pleasure to #RepresentPatients, we covered a lot of important points about #PatientEngagement from my experience as a patient, patient advocate, & pharma exec player.captivate.fm/episode/7467...player.captivate.fmStrive4Five with Steve: Core skill sets for honest and empathic patient advocacyQuickly and easily listen to PEP Talks ISPEP for free! 242
StriveForFive @striveforfive.bsky.social · 27/11/2024Great to meet with my MP @mattrodda.bsky.social with @cancerresearchuk.org We discussed factors affecting cancer including risk factors and treatments, & the second reading of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill It’s good to know my MP is committed to helping people affected by cancer. #SmokeFreeUK 041
StriveForFive @striveforfive.bsky.social · 24/11/2024Interesting and balanced view on a key topic 010
StriveForFive @striveforfive.bsky.social · 22/11/2024If you or someone you know has stage 4 cancer please take a look at my story and the free resources on www.StriveForFive.org Loads of tips, videos and podcasts. Hope it’s helpful. #stage4 #cancer #RepresentingPatients #Hopestriveforfive.orgSTRIVE FOR FIVE 043