A TRAINEE broadcast journalist from Acocks Green who graduated from advanced colorectal cancer treatment supports a Cancer Research UK campaign to save more lives.
Karen Bucknall says she is “braver, stronger, and smarter than ever” thanks to the research and ongoing treatment that has enabled her to achieve her dream of becoming a broadcaster.
The remarkable 51-year-old is hoping to spend her first Christmas at home with her family in three years after being diagnosed with colon cancer in 2019.
In the new year she will be a sports journalist at Sunset + Vine, working on the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
“I am in remission from advanced colorectal cancer that has spread to my lymph nodes and vagina, but I live with two benign brain tumors that affect my hearing and balance,” said Karen, who has just completed her Level 3 certification in Foundation Journalism had received.
“I owe my life to research and for this reason I am passionately committed to doing my part to make a difference for others.”
During the ups and downs of her treatment, Karen completed a degree in Sociology from Coventry University, won the ITV and Media Trust National Breaking into Journalism Award, and earned a professional media qualification.
After an internship at ITV Central, she is now working with Cancer Research UK to inspire people in the Midlands to join the charity’s “Play Your Part” campaign.
“One in two people will get cancer at some point in their life, but we can all help fight it,” said Karen. “Thanks to research, cancer survival has doubled in the last 40 years.
“My life has changed in ways I never could have imagined, and while I still live with cancer and its consequences, I feel braver, stronger, and smarter than ever.”
Karen was first diagnosed with colon cancer in March 2019 after noticing blood in her feces and visiting the doctor with alleged hemorrhoids.
“At first the doctor thought it might be Crohn’s disease, so it was a shock when I found out I had stage 3 colon cancer,” Karen said. “I was told I would need an operation and have a colostomy bag for the rest of my life. I just sat there, stunned.
“I still remember his words – he said your body was always producing tumors. Whether they are cancerous or benign, we can control them, but I don’t know if I can give you a miracle cure. “
Karen underwent six weeks of radiation therapy at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham in June 2019 to shrink the tumor. In November of that year she underwent an operation at Good Hope Hospital in Sutton Coldfield to remove the tumor and fit an ostomy hole for a colostomy pouch.
“That’s when I learned that my cancer had spread to my vagina and lymph nodes,” said Karen. “I was so embarrassed. No girl should ever be given this message.”
In January 2020, Karen began six months of chemotherapy at Solihull Hospital.
“I used to dream of becoming a chemo journalist and I never imagined going to college and taking a journalism course,” says Karen, who previously worked in travel and tourism. “I’m looking forward to becoming a sports journalist in January. It’s just breathtaking. “
Karen understands advances in research only too well after her grandfather died of colon cancer in 1978 at the age of 61.
“I know how far research has come from my grandfather’s experience,” said Karen. “If I had been diagnosed with cancer ten years ago, I might not be here today.
“I’m not out of the woods yet, but I’m determined to keep my focus on what I can do because cancer doesn’t define me, being Karen defines me.”
Thanks to its supporters, Cancer Research UK’s work in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer has been at the center of progress that has resulted in survival in the UK doubling over the past 40 years.
The charity’s goal is for three out of four people to survive their cancer by 2034.
Paula Young, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for the West Midlands, said: “We are so grateful to Karen for her support. Cancer is adamant, but so are we. We will never stop striving for better treatments, but we cannot do this alone.
“The past year proves more than any other how valuable research is and what can be achieved together. Just as science is our way out of the pandemic, science is our way to defeat cancer.
“Whether people donate, fundraising, volunteering in our businesses, or pledging to leave a gift on their will – with the help of people in Birmingham – we believe that together we will beat cancer.”
Cancer Research UK spent over £ 9 million in the West Midlands last year on some of the UK’s leading scientific and clinical research.
To do your part and support vital research that will defeat cancer, visit cruk.org.