Macmillan Cancer Support is leading the Find The Words campaign, which has gained support from a group of notable celebrities. Renowned figures like Nick Robinson, host of the Today programme, Olympic diver Tom Daley, and entertainer Bill Bailey are uniting with the leading cancer charity to promote open conversations about cancer among men.
Macmillan’s recent findings shed light on the struggles faced by 250,000 British men living with the disease. Many of them battle feelings of fear, depression, or worry following their diagnosis. Shockingly, over half of these men (55 percent) have not sought support to address these emotions.
Nick Robinson, 59, who was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour in 2015, emphasized the importance of having a Macmillan speech and language therapist by his side to navigate his fears. After undergoing surgery to remove the lung tumor, he credited the therapist for empowering him to share his experience openly.
Robinson shared his own journey, stating, “After my operation, I lost my voice and felt unable to discuss it with anyone. I believed my career was finished, but I eventually confided in my Macmillan nurse. He was an exceptional listener and encouraged me to express my fears and seek the answers I needed.”
Comedian, singer, and actor Bill Bailey, who tragically lost his close friend Sean Lock to lung cancer in August 2021, has openly discussed their friendship and the role of mutual support during their respective battles. Bailey highlighted the importance of men overcoming their tendency to shy away from serious discussions.
Bailey recalled their walks in the countryside, where they engaged in conversations that ranged from lighthearted laughter to more profound and thought-provoking exchanges. He expressed, “Sean and I would often go for long rambles, discussing a wide array of topics. It was a chance for us to make each other laugh and delve into more intellectual conversations. Men often avoid discussing serious matters, but we need to change that.”
Tom Daley, the accomplished Olympic gold medallist and television personality, faced the loss of his father to a brain tumor in 2011 when he was just 17 years old. Coping with this devastating experience, Daley realized the value of talking openly about cancer as a means of dealing with the emotional toll it takes.
Daley encouraged those struggling to find the courage to engage in conversations about cancer, saying, “We understand that men find it challenging to open up, but speaking from personal experience, it has been my way of coping. To anyone going through this, I know it’s not easy to discuss cancer, but perhaps give it a try. It might just make a difference.”
Other celebrities lending their support to the campaign include Merlin Griffiths from First Dates, DJ and presenter Trevor Nelson, singer-songwriter Jay McGuiness, and actor Colin McFarlane.
Macmillan Cancer Support offers dedicated support through its Support Line, where trained nurses and advisers are available seven days a week from 8 am to 8 pm. Individuals battling cancer can seek assistance by calling 0808 808 0000.