To mark World Cancer Day 2026, Pennine GP Alliance is proud to share reflections from Dr Eilidh Gunson, our Primary Care Cancer and Palliative Care Improvement Lead, as part of the global theme #UnitedByUnique.
In her blog, United by Unique – Thoughts from the Frontline of Cancer Care, Eilidh explores what personalised care really means, starting with something simple, a name.
“Edith, Eileen, Elspeth, Hayley and (I’ve saved the best till last) Elijah are just some of the names I’ve been called throughout my life. When I say, ‘It’s ‘Ayley’ – like ‘Hayley’ but without the H’, some still call me ‘Hayley’, some ignore the explanation and just guess, and others even question whether I’ve got the pronunciation right!”
Through her own lived experience and frontline work across primary care, cancer services, community and voluntary partners, Eilidh highlights why identity, listening and compassion are not “nice to haves,” but essential parts of high-quality cancer care
“It’s more than a name: it’s part of my identity; it’s what I want to be called.”
She explains that when someone takes the time to ask, listen, and get her name right, it makes her feel valued and respected. This simple interaction is a powerful reminder of how recognising and respecting individuality can make a real difference in healthcare.
For people affected by cancer, who may already feel frightened or vulnerable, taking the time to understand their story, concerns, and preferences is a vital part of personalised care. Eilidh’s role brings together services across primary care, secondary and specialist care, community and voluntary partners, and people with lived experience, all with the aim of improving cancer awareness, screening, early diagnosis and support for those living with and beyond cancer.
“My role is just a small cog in the collaborative wheel, but one that helps connect services and keep patient experience at the heart of improvement work.”
This World Cancer Day, Eilidh’s reflections tie directly to the #UnitedByUnique theme: getting to know people, listening to their concerns, and tailoring care accordingly is not just compassionate — it improves outcomes.
“Through a personalised approach – getting to know people, hearing their concerns, honouring their preferences and tailoring our response – we show we care.”
Read the full blog by Dr Eilidh Gunson on the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Cancer Alliance website
