People in Teesside 'aren't shying away' from talking about cancer
A Teesside cancer support group reckons cancer is being talked about more
Last updated 1st May 2025
A Teesside cancer support group say people are not 'shying away' from talking about the subject anymore.
One of the reasons is because of King Charles talking about his journey but also the Princess of Wales, as Kate announced earlier this week that she is in remission.
Ann Hope is from the Hope Community Cancer Support Group in Billingham, and she said: "I do think it's had a positive on the general public especially because it's a taboo subject, especially for older people like the King's generation. Back in those days you didn't really speak about it when he was younger and him coming out and telling the general public that he has cancer, I think that's really helped a lot of people his age group.
"I think this is a very positive for people going through cancer treatment and their families. Did you know that somebody of that rank, being like a Royal Princess, has had a cancer, has fought it, I think that's really positive for people.
"I definitely do think that people are talking more about cancer and definitely not shying away from the subject anymore. They're saying one in two people get cancer now; well there's two people in the Royal Family and back in the days, I think there probably has been more people in the Royal Family that have had cancer but it's probably been shunned away from, not telling the general public.
"With these two coming out, I think this has given a real boost to peopl speaking about this thing. It's not that dirty word anymore. One in two people will get cancer in their lives, so if you don't know somebody then somebody in your family will get it, one your friends will get it, you might get it. But these cancer conversations need to go on."