Revolutionary treatment helps Stafford cancer victim take trip of a lifetime

Beth Titterton, aged 24, has twice been treated for secondary brain tumours but, thanks to state-of-the-art radiotherapy, she was back at work within days of her last treatment.

Even though she knows the cancer will return someday, she's now preparing for a 10-week trip in February which will see her teaching in Fiji as well as visiting New Zealand, Hong Kong and Dubai with boyfriend Sam Turner.

Beth's incredible experience is driving her to back Cancer Research UK's new 'Right Now' campaign. The highly charged and emotional TV, poster and radio campaign shows the reality of cancer for patients just like Beth, their friends and family. The powerful films – which show real patients in real-life moments – are a compelling call to take action right now in the battle against cancer.

For Beth, the reality of the disease hit home most when she was told her cancer had returned in January last year – just seven months after treatment appeared to have worked.

"We weren't naïve enough to think the cancer wouldn't come back but we didn't think it would be so soon," said Beth.

"It was such a surprise to get those first scan results I had a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach," said Beth who lives in Gnosall with her parents Denise and Rob.

Beth, a primary school teacher, was first diagnosed in April 2014 after developing an inner ear problem followed by severe head pains. A routine scan revealed two lesions on her brain and surgery was set for a week later.

Her worst fears were realised when surgery to remove the biggest lesion revealed it was in fact a cancerous tumour.

"The fact that it had spread from somewhere else in my body meant the damage had already been done and there was no going back," said Beth. "That was difficult to hear."

Within weeks Beth underwent a new robotic radiotherapy treatment called Cyberknife which targets tumours at sub-millimetre accuracy and leaves far fewer side effects than traditional radiotherapy.

"You have to wear a mask which is really scary," said Beth. "It's moulded to fit your face and you can't open your eyes or mouth. The mask is pinned to the table and then a robot moves around and pinpoints the precise areas that need treatment. The worst part was having to take steroids afterwards.

"My vision was blurry and I struggled to think straight so I needed help with simple things like crossing the road. It was miserable but by that September I was well enough to go back to work and put it all behind me."

Although Beth knew the cancer would return she wasn't prepared for the results of her second routine scan in January 2015.

"Six months wasn't long enough to get my feet back on the ground," said Beth.

"I knew it would come back but I'd expected to have more of a break in between. It was a shock but we just had to get on and tackle it."

A week later Beth underwent a second dose of cyberknife radiotherapy and was back at work three days aftewards.

"Things are almost back to normal now," said Beth, "I'm back at work but I have regular scans.

"The cancer doesn't affect the way we live because I'm so fortunate to be well. That's why I feel so passionately about research and why I'm backing the Right Now campaign.

"I feel really lucky to have had such incredible treatment which just wouldn't be possible without research. I want to encourage anyone who can to get involved and help fund Cancer Research UK's crucial work."

Paula Young, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Staffordshire, said: "We're so grateful to Beth for her support.

"Our new campaign highlights the reality of cancer. Every week more than 580 people are diagnosed with the disease in the West Midlands and Staffordshire. It is life-changing for them, for their family and friends and for everyone who cares about them.

"Our campaign shows that research is working but sadly, for some, time is so much shorter than it should be.We want people to watch the adverts and feel compelled to act – right now - to help more people survive."

For more information on how to help beat cancer sooner, visit www.cruk.org