Left to #WatchWaitWorry
Watch and Wait is when someone has blood cancer but doesn’t start treatment straight away. For many, it’s a time filled with worry and uncertainty. Our WatchWaitWorry campaign shares what this feels like and calls for better support.
What is Watch and Wait?
Watch and Wait means a person has cancer, but doctors are monitoring it rather than starting treatment straight away. This is common in slow-growing blood cancers like CLL (chronic lymphocytic leukaemia). Some people stay on Watch and Wait for years. But not knowing when – or if – treatment will be needed can be hard. Around 13,300 people in the UK are currently on Watch and Wait for CLL.
Why this can feel like Watch and Worry
eing told you have cancer but won’t get treatment yet is confusing. Patients often feel left in limbo, unsure what comes next. Many are not offered enough information or support and are left to cope alone. Some feel their symptoms are dismissed or that no one is listening.
I rarely saw the same consultant twice and felt my concerns over fatigue were being dismissed.
What the campaign found
Our survey of people on Watch and Wait found:
- 87% wanted more support after their diagnosis
- 60% were not offered any help by their hospital
- 1 in 2 said their anxiety had increased
- 13% said they felt constantly depressed or anxious
These findings show why better care is needed.
What we’re calling for
The WatchWaitWorry campaign is asking for:
- Better information and explanation at diagnosis
- NHS plans to include people on Watch and Wait, not just those in treatment
- Equal access to specialist nurses and support services
Related Topics
About CLL
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is a slow-growing type of blood cancer. It develops when white …
Active monitoring for CLL
If you don’t have any symptoms of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) or your symptoms are …
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL)
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is a slow-growing blood cancer. It develops when white blood cells …
Need help understanding this information?
Our support team is here to answer your questions and provide guidance.
Contact Support