Fife woman (83) campaigning to raise awareness of 'forgotten' cancer

Bladder cancer survivor Dorothy Markham is a dynamo, with an energy that defies her 83 years.
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It is almost four years since the Falkland octogenarian was diagnosed with bladder cancer, months after retiring from a long career in business.

Bladder cancer is the fifth most common type of cancer, yet too often it is neglected and treated as rare.

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During May, as part of Bladder Cancer Awareness Month, Dorothy is raising awareness and vital funds for Fight Bladder Cancer, a UK-based charity founded and governed by bladder cancer survivors and their families.

Dorothy Markham.Dorothy Markham.
Dorothy Markham.

Dorothy said: “My overall experience is that people just don’t seem to know about bladder cancer. Even in the main cancer hospitals there was no literature about bladder cancer. It is like a forgotten disease.

“And I, like everyone else, had never heard of it, so what people need to realise is that bladder cancer is not rare. I just feel lucky that I am one of the ones still here. That’s why I’ve got right behind Fight Bladder Cancer.”

Dorothy is one of several bladder buddies that Fight Bladder Cancer can refer patients to if they would like to have a more informal face to face or telephone chat with someone who has been through a bladder cancer diagnosis too.

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Dorothy is also an active political campaigner and is passionate about getting more politicians in Scotland to understand the need for a national awareness raising campaign.

Dorothy (front) at a support group meeting last year.Dorothy (front) at a support group meeting last year.
Dorothy (front) at a support group meeting last year.

Although a common illness, public awareness of bladder cancer is low, resulting in late diagnosis. The cancer can also affect anyone of any age or sex.

Dorothy – who is honorary chair of Fight Bladder Cancer’s Scottish Steering Group consisting of patients, carers, and health professionals – is bringing this to the attention of the Scottish Parliament through a proposed parliamentary motion for which they have already attracted initial support from MSPs.

Meanwhile, in the wake of Covid-19, the charity’s team put their heads together and introduced a range of home-based activities to help spread the message and raise awareness of the urgent need for action during Bladder Cancer Awareness Month.

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These include video conferencing, sharing social media graphics, taking on home-based fundraising challenges, the #BubblesForBladderCancer initiative, and so much more.

Anyone can get involved by visiting the website at www.fightbladdercancer.co.uk.