Robert Fisk

Robert Fisk describes receiving little mental health support from his cancer hospital after being diagnosed with incurable bowel cancer in 2023, relying instead on family, friends, GPs, colleagues and informal community support. He argues that holistic needs assessments are often delayed or poorly delivered and says his experience prompted the Daily Express’s Cancer Care campaign. The Labour Government has agreed to develop a personal cancer plan, expected to begin next year and replace the current assessment process. Fisk welcomes the initiative but argues that the NHS, charities and other organizations must work together and recognize that effective mental health support can include simple community referrals, such as walking groups or coffee mornings.

The columnist argues that Andy Burnham's planned UK listening tour on the cost-of-living crisis is mainly an effort to generate social-media attention rather than understand people's problems. Drawing on their experience of incurable bowel cancer, they describe rising costs for medical travel, clothing, food, heating and the practical burden of treatment, as well as inadequate support from the benefits system. They contend that these difficulties are already well documented and question why Burnham needs a listening tour instead of taking meaningful action.

The writer, who has incurable bowel cancer, urges Health Secretary Yvette Cooper and Andy Burnham's government to preserve and rapidly implement the personal cancer plan announced under Wes Streeting. The Daily Express campaign helped secure the plan, which is intended to provide cancer patients and their families with emotional and practical support. The writer fears it could be abandoned amid wider government changes, emphasizing that delays would have serious consequences for patients and calling on the NHS, charities and ministers to work together to deliver it.

Eight non-alcoholic beers were taste-tested, with most mainstream options receiving mixed reactions while several craft-style choices performed strongly. Aldi’s budget Sainte Etienne, Asahi Super Dry Alcohol Free, Peroni 0.0%, Beavertown Lazer Crush IPA, and Brooklyn Brewery Special Effects earned the highest scores for flavor, drinkability and value. Kronenbourg 1664 Biere 0.0% was rated poorly, and Heineken 0.0 was considered acceptable but outclassed by better supermarket alternatives.

A criminal profiler outlines several theories explaining why the 1988 murder of Debbie Linsley on a train remains unsolved despite a full DNA profile of the killer. Possible explanations include the attacker experiencing a psychotic episode, living without awareness of the crime, dying before forensic advances enabled profiling, or suppressing guilt. The profiler notes the absence of linked repeat offences and suggests that the offender may have compartmentalised the act and continued an otherwise normal life. Police continue to seek information from the public.

A cancer patient weighing the benefits and severe side‑effect risks of the chemotherapy drug oxaliplatin explains why he may refuse further treatment despite its past effectiveness. Recent scans show his bowel cancer is growing, prompting doctors to reintroduce the drug, though its potentially debilitating long‑term effects cause significant concern. He describes coping strategies, the importance of monitoring side effects, and his determination to maintain quality of life through positive experiences away from hospital settings.

A woman with incurable bowel cancer describes how Princess Kate’s completion of the Three Peaks challenge inspired her as she prepares for her own charity hike in Devon. Facing uncertainty about the progression of her illness and potential treatment side effects, she views the upcoming event as a way to assert control and find meaning beyond medical routines. She expresses relief at the positive update on Princess Kate’s health and gratitude for the awareness raised about the benefits of physical activity during cancer treatment.