Cancer survivors share their stories ahead of Relay for Life

AHEAD of the Shetland Relay for Life returning this weekend (28 May), the organisers have teamed up with Shetland News to share stories from three brave cancer survivors.

The biennial event – which was not held in 2020 due to the Covid pandemic – has raised hundreds of thousands for Cancer Research UK over the years.

The third survivor story is from Elma Polson.

The survivors have kindly shared their experiences of cancer to raise awareness of the disease.

Name? Elma Polson

Type of cancer? Breast

Age? 80+

How did your diagnosis come about? 1982 – discovered a lump and had it investigated.

What was your treatment? Mastectomy followed by radiotherapy.

What was your lowest point? Discovery of second breast cancer 12 years after first one. This was followed by another mastectomy.

What helped lift your spirits/kept you going? Family and friends were always there for me when I needed them. Also we had a great breast cancer support group.

What would you say to people currently going through treatment? There is a light at the end of the tunnel – keep positive! Remember your treatment is tailored to you.

What would you like people to take from your story? Belief that you can overcome your cancer. New treatments are being discovered thanks to funding.

Anyone you would like to thank? Mainly my family and friends and of course all medical and surgical people in involved my care.

What are you planning for the relay? Taking part in the survivors’ lap which I find very emotional. I will be giving a donation to the Relay for Life. Let’s get rid of cancer!