News & Events 2025

December 2025

Cancer? - How to Improve your Sleep Quality

Knowledge has grown considerably in recent years about how sleep can play an integral role in overall health. 

Having cancer, and its associated treatments, can create major sleep pattern disruptions, affecting the ability both to fall asleep and stay asleep through the night. We know that there are numerous potential causes of sleep problems in people with cancer. These can vary for any individual depending on the type and stage of cancer they have, the treatment they are receiving, and their overall general health and coexisting conditions. Sleep deprivation may also contribute to other health issues, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, etc. 

Sleep problems may be experienced for various reasons including: 

• Pain or discomfort caused by the tumour or by the treatment received 

• Stress, anxiety and depression that can result simply from having cancer 

• Side effects from medications 

• Gastrointestinal or urinary problems caused by cancer or its treatments 

• Infection and fever, brought about by a reduced immune function during chemotherapy 

• Disrupted sleep schedule resulting from daytime fatigue and napping 

Can Good Sleep Help in Cancer Treatment and Recovery? 

Absolutely yes! The quality and duration of sleep is linked to how well our bodies can fight cancer and respond to treatment. So it is most important to get sufficient rest while you are being treated for cancer to allow your body to recover and to minimise your risk of other health issues. Good quality sleep may help improve pain tolerance and increase the efficiency of treatments received. Some treatments (such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy) used to treat cancer can lower your immune system's function, and insufficient sleep can further weaken your immune system. Therefore, getting plenty of sleep is crucial for cancer patients to expedite good recovery. 

For anyone with cancer who is experiencing sleep problems, it is important to talk with your doctor or specialist cancer nurse, who can discuss your symptoms, what is causing them and the potential solutions. Because poor sleep quality can have the potential for profound adverse effects on physical health, emotions and thinking functions, it is well worth your time and attention to improve your sleep and help create for yourself much improved quality of life. 

If you, or a loved one is experiencing difficulties with sleep, do come along to this presentation/workshop (see inset) to explore the various ways in which you can find improvement and achieve the restful nights you deserve. 

We at Positively Pink Oxford wish you a wonderful Christmas and a New Year full of good health and love. 

For a chat about your experiences of living through these challenging times, for more information, to express an interest in coming along to Positively Pink, our local (Cumnor) cancer support group, please call Jean on 07927 236961 or email: positivelypinkoxford@gmail.com 

November 2025

Managing our emotional/physical life after cancer treatment 

In order to make the transition through cancer treatments and beyond as smooth as possible, it is so important to get to know something of the common possible changes to our emotions which can occur during the experience of diagnosis, treatment and reflection on the future.

In hospitals and cancer clinics in which chemotherapy treatment is administered, there is often a hand bell which is rung by the patient to mark the final chemo session. I remember ringing that bell with such gusto that staff from a neighbouring unit came in to see if there was some sort of emergency taking place! It was a day I had longed for during the whole of that twelve-month period after my surgery of regular hospital visits for chemotherapy. My longing was not at all because the therapy experience was so dreadful that I wanted to get it over with as soon as possible. No, the staff who handled my treatment were indescribably wonderful, gentle and caring, and did their utmost to help me feel as comfortable as possible. The chemotherapy itself was not something I normally would have wished upon myself, but I knew that to accept it willingly and gratefully was to offer myself the best chance I had of future life in remission.

It would be tempting to believe that 'ringing the bell' on our final session of chemo draws a line under our encounter with cancer and that all should be plain sailing from thence forth. It is fabulous that we in this country have the wherewithal and clinicians to mount the physical treatment battle against our cancer cells, and I am thankful every day that the situation is thus, but we do need to be mindful that the bell rings to close one important chapter of our lives and to open another, equally important one. This new chapter is all about our self understanding, self discovery, self care and self compassion. Yes, the word 'self' does appear a lot in that sentence, but it in no way equates to selfishness. Being the best version of ourselves we can be, both physically and emotionally, also frees us up to be the best we can be towards others around us. 

The shocking statistic is that half of us in this country will get cancer sometime in our lives ­that fact will not go away if we ignore it! Over the coming months, we at Positively Pink Oxford will acknowledge the challenges of cancer and its treatments which many of us will face in our lives... we must never make light of these. We will be exploring together the many ways in which we can help each other move forward, grab the bull which is cancer by the horns and learn to embrace the new, positive beginnings it offers us.

Over the coming months, we will look at topics related to cancer (not necessarily in this order): Stress. Depression and Anxiety. Self-Consciousness. Loneliness. Where to find Help. Adjusting to Changes. Setting Realistic Goals. Healthy Eating. Hair Loss. Fatigue. Talking about Cancer. Being Kind to Yourself Fear. Physical Side Effects. Life Changes. Connecting with Others. Anger. Support Groups. Relaxation. Complimentary Therapies. Mindfulness.

Due to our own fundraising events this year, we are now in a position to offer these gatherings FREE OF CHARGE!

For more information about our gatherings, or to offer your support or help in any way, please contact Jean 07927 236961. positivelypinkoxford@gmail.com

September 2025

Helping life to sparkle again after cancer treatment

Discovering we have cancer, and all the ramifications and treatments which ensue, can set us on a life-changing path, which we have probably never imagined for ourselves. Having personally experienced the multilayered adventures of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, I am aware first-hand of the blow we can take to our general confidence, self-body image and emotional well-being. We may feel we detect some differences in our close relationships; our roles may change; we worry about how loved ones, especially our children, may react to our diagnosis and how they are going to cope if we are feeling low for a while. This can be a time when we may desperately need to share our thoughts and feelings with someone, but we avoid talking about these things to loved ones and friends, because we do not want to upset them by seeing us upset. Perhaps we have no wish to talk about our situation simply because in doing so it underlines the fact that we actually do have cancer. 

On top of these feelings may come a hint of the long-held views on the subject of cancer which strongly suggests that we simply do not mention the word 'cancer'. If we really need to bring it to our attention, we much prefer to call it 'The Big C'. Perhaps we have had this unspoken fear that ifwe actually speak the word out loud we may somehow bring it into being. Being silent about our feelings and fears can only give them more power to hurt us. 

Sadly, there may appear to be little we can actively do to address these issues which we rather reluctantly encounter during the initial treatments, but I believe that 'to be forewarned is to be forearmed', and simply by being aware we can rob these possible challenges of the power to disarm us and make us feel as though we have little or no control over what is happening to us. 

If this is ever your experience, please do not be misled by these feelings of impotence or seeming lack of ability to take up the reins of control over your life. There is so much you can control and numerous ways to improve your physical and emotional wellbeing, grow in confidence in your relationships, enjoy each day with fresh eyes and teach your heart to sing a new and even more beautiful song than ever before. 

A cancer diagnosis is not renowned for bringing many gifts into our lives, but I know from experience, that if we allow ourselves to cast a gentle eye over what is really important to us, what we value most, and what we can simply acknowledge, thank and set free, there is an enormous gift for us to discover. The ability to be fully present to every moment and to every relationship that helps us to grow and discover the rich treasure within ourselves, and to give of our love more deeply and generously, can be incredibly healing. 

I shall not pretend that any of this is easy to achieve, but my goodness, it is well worth our attention and gentle effort. There is nothing laborious about this way of being. Although we have probably learned to close ourselves up to protect us from the nasties the world may throw at us, we can so easily block the love in us from the natural to and fro it so longs for. 

Thankfully, we do not have to take the cancer journey alone. There are specialist nurses, counsellors and support groups such as Positively Pink Oxford, Maggie's Cancer Centre and others at your treatment centre there to help. 

I am absolutely delighted that Nuala McLaren is coming to talk with us again this month (see inset). This time Nuala will explore some of the practical ways we can help ourselves (or our loved ones) to regain confidence and rediscover our zest for life. There is no group membership involved - just come along and enjoy the evening. We would love to see you there. 

For a chat, for more information, to express an interest in coming along to Positively Pink our local cancer support group, or helping in any way, please call Jean on 07927 236961 or email: positivelypinkoxford@gmail.com 

July 2025

Our cancer support group is so grateful to be richly endowed with health professionals who are happy to share with us their expertise in cancer care related topics. We continue to welcome doctors, nurses, physical and emotional health professionals and other experts in their own discipline... physiotherapy, psychotherapy, counselling, nutrition, mindfulness, sleep quality improvement, relaxation, massage, aromatherapy... the list goes on. If you know of anyone else who is highly recommended in their field of health care, which is appropriate for those of us who are going through, or have gone through, the various adventures of cancer treatment, I would be very happy to hear from you.

Presentation in July

One such 'expert' in her field of nutrition is our very own Cumnor resident - Helen Money. Helen has shared her knowledge and practical ideas with us on several occasions, and I am delighted to have her back with us at our meeting in July (see inset). We all take a break during August, but our gatherings are usually held on the third Wednesday of the month at Cumnor Old School - 7.30-­9.00pm. We support women who have had cancer treatment to part of their anatomy, but because the latest statistics show that half of us will get cancer at some time in our lives, our door is always open to all women. We believe that the most beneficial and health supporting thing we can do with our resources is to keep the cancer dialogue open and help banish the fear of the unknown, which often surrounds the topic.

Food and our feelings

Today we take a whistle stop tour of some of the psychological issues surrounding food and eating which we may, or may not, experience during/after cancer treatment. 

Food and drink have many physiological functions in our bodies, like energy provision, growth, maintenance, regulation and recovery from disease. They also have important psychological functions and can bring us comfort and feelings of well-being and safety. We often use food and drink at times of social celebration and commemoration; we show our care and affection for others by our giving and receiving of such. When inviting someone into our homes, we have very much become accustomed to offering a cup of tea/coffee or maybe something a little stronger. The social sharing of refreshment has come to mean for us  much more than simply catering for physiological needs. 

Therefore, it may be helpful to those of us who experience physical difficulties with cancer treatments and the changes which may accompany surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy to understand the importance of our need for extra, gentle self-care of our emotions around this subject too.

Mouth and throat problems, bowel changes, nausea, heartburn, indigestion, appetite loss, depression and fatigue can all add to our feelings of negativity about food and eating. Sometimes even the smell and taste of some foods can make us feel ill.

We may feel uneasy about eating when out with friends or family and concerned that this may have a negative affect on our relationships. This can precipitate feelings of isolation and loneliness.

If we are the ones who usually buy and prepare meals for others, but find that uncomfortable for a while, perhaps we need to be kind to ourselves and ask someone to help with this until things are easier for us.

For many years we have tended to avoid talking about cancer and our feelings, but now that the numbers of us who experience cancer personally or indirectly are so high, please let us all open our hearts and minds to the great benefits that are to be gained by sharing our fears and feelings with each other and learning to support, care and love ourselves to a brighter, stronger place. 

I hope to be at all of Positively Pink's gatherings and certainly Helen's in July. Do approach me for a chat about the feelings I have mentioned.

As I always underline, if you have any concern about your physical or mental ailment, it is vital that your first port of call is your own GP. 

September Meeting

Positively Pink Oxford will take a break for August, but I am delighted to say that we will meet again on Weds September 17 when Nuala McLaren Clinical Head of Oncology Dept at Nuffield Health Manor Hospital will return to share some of her valuable insights into caring for ourselves during/after cancer treatments... Watch this space for more information. 

For learning more about our gatherings, to share your experience around cancer or to offer your support or help in any way, please contact Jean 07927 236961. positivelypinkoxford@gmail.com 

April 2025

The Power of Loving Touch 

In our modern, post Covid lockdown world, in which so many of us may feel the need of some non-threatening, non-invasive caring touch, gentle hand massage, with or without the use of essential oils, can bring great comfort and relief from stress, anxiety, pain and muscular tension. It is vital, of course, to take into consideration all safeguarding guidelines and to obtain clear consent to the use of any massage techniques on anyone, but having done so, to offer our undivided attention and loving touch in this way to someone we care for, can be one of the kindest gifts we can offer. Such a gift to someone can communicate so much more than loving words may ever achieve. 

Further to our presentation in March on the use and benefits to our physical/emotional health and general wellbeing of hand massage, we will now explore in greater depth, what particular benefits each of the commonly used essential oils can offer us and how to safely employ them in our simple hand massages. 

Alongside the many possible benefits of essential oils, we shall give some serious thought to their possible toxicity if used incorrectly and how to keep both the person receiving the massage, and the one providing it, free from harm. 

If you, or someone you know, would like to discover the joys of sharing a simple hand massage with someone you love or care for, do come along to the next talk/demonstration evening on Weds April 16th. We would love to see you there.

Your help is always welcome

Our cancer support group - Positively Pink Oxford, (which now supports women with any female associated cancers), will always welcome whatever help we can muster with the practical setting up/taking down of chairs and equipment for our gatherings and presentations, serving refreshments, welcoming visitors and guests, etc. As we continue to plan the coming 8th year of the Cumnor Festival of Performing Arts which will take place on Saturday 21st June in the fabulous beautiful and extensive gardens of Hurstcote, Appleton Road, we would love to hear from everyone who would like to help things go with a swing on the day, before or after the day, or at any other lead-up time (free tickets to the entertainment for helpers). All profits from our gatherings and the Cumnor Festival go to local cancer charities and support groups. See Jean's contact details and cumnorfestival.org.uk 

Jean Pryce-Williams 

March 2025

The Power of Loving Touch

In our modern culture, most of us are rightly aware and focused on safeguarding guidelines and respecting other people's space and their right to be consulted and have permission sought regarding any possible physical touch. Unwanted physical touching of any kind can certainly cause some minor or major distress to the recipient and we must do everything we can to avoid this. However, an unfortunate byproduct of this appropriate caution, can be that some of us may experience a certain degree of what can only be described as touch starvation. Some people especially, but not exclusively the elderly, may not experience the warm, caring touch of another human being's hand for days, weeks or months. 

Over the past thirty plus years, since my initial training/qualifying in physical therapies, I have been greatly privileged to provide hand/arm massage to many people of various ages and states of health and wellbeing, including those experiencing dementia or a cancer diagnosis and treatments.

Super Special Soup Evening

Around twenty of us enjoyed a fabulous evening in February at Catherine and Ted Mott's delightful home. Catherine, our Cumnor soup maker extraordinaire, welcomed us with a glass of bubbly, talked us through her new soup recipe book and then we had the privilege of sampling no fewer than eight of the delicious soups! I shall certainly be replicating many of the soupy delights in coming months. If you would like a copy of Catherine's recipe book, they will be available at £6. Text or call Jean at the number below to get your copy. All profits from the soup evening and the sale of the books will be donated to Positively Pink and other local cancer charities and support groups. 

For more information about our gatherings, or to offer your support or help in any way, please contact Jean 07927 236961.