My 'bucket list' to improve mental health support for cancer patients

As Express journalist Robert Fisk marks his second year of treatment for incurable bowel cancer, he writes movingly about reaching the milestone, his campaign to help others and his determination to have as much fun as possible

- 

ROBERT Fisk is leading the Express Cancer Care campaign while battling incurable bowel cancer.

Before he dies, he wants to make sure that anyone fighting cancer will be pointed to vital mental health services.

He says mental health problems are some of the most profound complications of living with cancer.

These trials can start as soon as a patient is diagnosed, persist during their treatment and even after an all-clear.

The NHS has a framework called the Holistic Needs Assessment which patients are supposed to receive but far too many are missing out. The Cancer Care campaign aims to push the NHS to guarantee this assessment, which addresses mental health, at the point of diagnosis and throughout a patient's cancer journey.

Reading the brave articles Robert has written and sourced as part of the campaign has only emboldened our belief that this mission must succeed. Whether it’s depression over a diagnosis or guilt usually remain hidden has been a lot to come to terms with.