A NEW DVD has been released by York Hospital to help those living with a cancer diagnosis.

Presented by Ben Richards, who is two years clear of bowel cancer, the its includes advice from York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust medical experts and interviews with people previously treated for cancer.

It is divided into separate issues faced by patients following treatment including diet, dealing with worry and exercise advice.

Jane Archer, manager of the York Cancer Care Centre, said: “Often people feel very alone through the experience of cancer diagnosis and treatment and it’s vital that those living with and beyond cancer get the support they need to lead as healthy and active a life as possible.

“It was quite a challenge to put the different subjects onto film but we had a clear vision about what we needed and we had a wonderful set of local experts who had already proved how much they could help people.”

The DVD, ‘Living Well With Cancer’, supports a new national strategy launched last year aimed at understanding what issues are important to those who have survived. It will be distributed to patients under the care of the Trust towards the end of treatment.

Christine Norris, lead cancer manager for the trust, said: “People need help in so many ways - medical, social, psychological, spiritual, financial and informational needs.

“We found experts who could provide the information that really helps people. This has been transferred to DVD and we are delighted with the result.”

Last year the team won a regional award for innovation for their approach to improving ongoing services and support for people who are living with and beyond cancer.

To watch the films go to http://www.yorkhospitals.nhs.uk/