CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
Patient stories
Cancer care
Blood cancer
Sharon's story
When Sharon broke a rib in June 1999, she never imagined it would lead to an incurable cancer diagnosis.
Solomon's unexpected multiple myeloma diagnosis
After visiting his GP about a 'barely noticeable' lump on the side of his neck which was found to be benign, Solomon, who felt otherwise fit and well, was shocked to be diagnosed with a rare type of blood cancer – multiple myeloma – in 2018.
Vanessa's story
In 2010 Vanessa was diagnosed with myeloma - an incurable type of blood cancer - after seeking medical help for severe back pain, which she initially assumed was an injury from climbing; a hobby she had taken up earlier in the year.
Bowel cancer
Sarah's story
Sarah, a health copywriter, aged 47, from Birmingham, was looking forward to enjoying the first few months of married life, when her painful periods revealed a diagnosis of endometriosis and metastatic appendix cancer.
Georgia's story
At just 20 years old, Georgia was about to fulfil her dream of opening her own beauty salon when persistent symptoms led to an unexpected diagnosis of bowel cancer.
Johanna's story
Johanna was diagnosed with advanced bowel cancer back in 2016. Five years on from receiving revolutionary cancer surgery at The Christie Private Care, part of HCA Healthcare UK, she is cancer free and feeling better than ever. Here she reflects on her treatment at the hospital and the expert care that helped her get to where she is today.
Breast cancer
Chantal's breast cancer experience
Chantal shares why she chose to have a preventative double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery.
Balancing motherhood and a breast cancer diagnosis
For Lina, 45, from Kingston upon Thames, south-west London, an unexpected breast cancer diagnosis at 23 weeks’ pregnant came as a complete shock.
Peter's story
Peter shares his experience of being diagnosed with male breast cancer, and encourages all men to check their breasts regularly.
Gynaecological cancer
Justine’s story
“I would have considered myself to be extremely well-informed about ovarian cancer symptoms because a number of risk factors applied to me, I knew what to look out for. But even so, in hindsight I know I missed things or explained them away. When I look back, I think maybe I should have taken action a little bit earlier.”
The story behind clinical trials: Sezgin’s story so far
Sezgin, a mother of two, was 51 years old when she was diagnosed with late-stage ovarian cancer. Following her diagnosis, her medical team explained that while her cancer was not curative, there were treatment options available to manage it.
Sali's story
Sali, a mother of three young children from North Wales, never expected that trying to get back into fitness after having her twins would lead to an ovarian cancer diagnosis. She shares her experience of discovering a concerning pain that led to her successful, timely treatment at The Christie Private Care.
Skin cancer
An unexpected melanoma diagnosis for husband and wife
In March 2023, Nicola, 63, took on a new exercise and diet regime with the aim of losing weight she’d gained during the COVID-19 lockdown. The weight was starting to come off and Nicola lost a stone and a half, but despite her best efforts, she couldn’t seem to shift the weight on her tummy.
Carolyn's skin cancer story
Meeting Mr Ciaran Healy, Consultant Plastic Surgeon, was life-changing. Carolyn shares her story of skin cancer surgery at The Wellington Hospital.
'I didnt realise how serious skin cancer could be'
Skin cancer is the fifth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the UK. Here, two skin cancer patients; Carol and Pinja, who were both diagnosed with early-stage malignant melanoma last year, share their experiences under the care of Professor Ramia Mokbel, Consultant Dermatologist at The Harley Street Clinic.
Prostate cancer
Graeme's story
After experiencing persistent stomach pain for a week, Graeme visited his GP practice. A series of tests led to an unexpected diagnosis of prostate cancer, and for Graeme, the chance to benefit from innovative surgery at The Harborne Hospital in Birmingham.
Graham's story
Graham shares his experience of being diagnosed with prostate cancer, his treatment under the care of Mr Vijay Ramani at The Christie Private Care - part of HCA Healthcare UK, his choice to be treated with robotic surgery and his emotional and physical recovery.
Richard's impressive recovery
Richard shares his experience following his robotic prostate surgery
Other cancer types
Craig's story
Craig Shore never expected a routine eye appointment would lead to a rare cancer diagnosis. He shares his story of how he took charge of his health, and his experience of receiving chemosaturation therapy, a pioneering cancer treatment, at HCA Healthcare UK The Christie Private Care.
Gary's story
“I know cancer’s a possibility for any of us, especially as we get older. But when I was experiencing issues with my eye, cancer was the last thing I would have expected.”
Nick's story: Getting back on my feet after a rare thymoma diagnosis
In November 2020, Nick Farrow was due to undergo surgery at Norwich Hospital, but in a tale with many twists and turns, he instead underwent robotic thoracic surgery at London Bridge Hospital, part of HCA Healthcare UK. Here, Nick shares his healthcare journey with us, and how fortunate he feels that he was able to benefit from the unique expertise of The London Bridge Thoracic Services team at London Bridge Hospital when he needed it most.