Lung Cancer

Who’s who in the team

The Lung Cancer Team within Respiratory Medicine is led by Dr Russell Phillips. The Lung Cancer Nurse Specialist is Chris Fowkes.

Heather Clarke is the Coordinator for the Multi-Disciplinary Team Meeting and Rebecca Purland is the Patient Pathway Coordinator. 
 

Clinical Nurse Specialists

Chris is an important point of contact for newly diagnosed cancer patients working closely with members of the NNUH multi-disciplinary team to support patients and their relatives throughout their cancer journey. The team includes respiratory doctors, surgeons, oncologists, thoracic and oncology nurse specialists and the palliative care team. As well as providing emotional and psychological support Chris can give practical advice on symptom control, make referrals to community services and the Breathlessness Clinic as required. Chris can also advise patients about benefits which they may be eligible to claim and can refer to the appropriate adviser for further information. 
 

Patient Support Group

Norfolk and Norwich Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma Support Group

The support group meetings are held on a Saturday morning in February, May, August and November and are open to patients and their families affected by lung cancer or mesothelioma. The support group is an opportunity to meet others in a similar situation with speakers arranged to discuss topics that are relevant to the group. Refreshments are provided and the meeting is friendly and informal and warmly welcomes new members.

If you would like to know more about the support group or would like an information leaflet about the meeting dates for this year please contact Chris Fowkes, Lung Cancer Nurse Specialist, on 01603 289625 or contact the Cancer Support and Information Centre on 01603 286112.

Useful links

There are several organisations which offer support and guidance for lung cancer patients and their carers.

Roy Castle Foundation (www.roycastle.org) – Information about lung cancer and treatments

Cancerbackup (www.cancerbackup.org.uk) – Information about lung cancer and coping with cancer

Mesothelioma UK (www.mesothelioma.uk.com)

NICE guidance for lung cancer (www.nice.org.uk/CG024) NICE guideline

Big ‘C’ Centre (www.big-ccentre.co.uk)

Based at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich