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Today, Beatson Cancer Charity is marking World Cancer Day by sharing the story of Clare Bauld from Glasgow, whose experience highlights the importance of support that recognises each person’s individual needs.
PICTURED: Clare visiting BCC offices
World Cancer Day is a global moment to raise awareness of cancer and to reflect on how people are supported before, during and after diagnosis. This year’s theme, United by Uniqueness, recognises that while cancer affects many people, no two situations are the same.
Clare was 25 when she was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. After emergency surgery and further treatment at The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, she later experienced a recurrence and is now living with cancer.
PICTURED: Clare going through treatment
Throughout this time, Clare has been supported by Beatson Cancer Charity. She says that support has helped her manage the ongoing uncertainty that can come with cancer, while allowing her to feel seen as an individual.
“Living with cancer means living with uncertainty,” said Clare. “Having support that understands that, and doesn’t treat everyone the same, really matters.”
Cancer is something Clare and her family have faced before. Her mum has also previously been treated for cancer, giving her a shared understanding - but also highlighting how different each person’s situation can be.
“My mum and I have both had cancer, but our experiences have been very different,” Clare said. “Support needs to reflect that, and that’s what I found at The Beatson.”
As part of her support, Clare took part in Beatson Cancer Charity’s Living with Uncertainty course, which brings together people living with cancer to explore ways of managing ongoing worries and adjusting to changes in daily life.
“It helped me feel less alone,” Clare said. “Being with people who understood what living with uncertainty feels like gave me confidence in how I was coping.”
Clare also receives personalised therapies from members of charities wellbeing therapies team.
A professional musician and choir leader, Clare also found that cancer affected her working life. Looking for gentle ways to stay active, she joined a local line dancing class, where she met a teacher who had also experienced cancer.
“It was an unexpected connection,” she said. “That sense of understanding can come from places you don’t expect.”
Motivated to give something back, Clare went on to organise a fundraising concert in aid of Beatson Cancer Charity, bringing together friends, family and fellow musicians. The event raised over £7,000 to support others affected by cancer across the west of Scotland.
PICTURED: Clare's charity fundraiser concert
Gillian Hailstones, Chief Executive of Beatson Cancer Charity, said: “On World Cancer Day, it’s important to recognise that while cancer touches so many lives, every situation is different. Clare’s story shows why support matters, and why we work to ensure people feel supported in ways that are right for them.”
