StriveForFive
@striveforfive.bsky.social
StriveForFive is a campaign to bring HOPE to stage 4 cancer.
Steve Clark was diagnosed with stage 4 in 2013 and has developed a series of free resources based on his experience and that of thousands of people he’s supported over the years.
Steve Clark was diagnosed with stage 4 in 2013 and has developed a series of free resources based on his experience and that of thousands of people he’s supported over the years.
I was honoured to be invited to write this piece for Cancer Research UK Science and Innovation, sharing how lived experience can positively shape research - a topic I'm passionate about!
#RepresentingPatients
#PatientEngagement
news.cancerresearchuk.org/2026/01/15/m...
#RepresentingPatients
#PatientEngagement
news.cancerresearchuk.org/2026/01/15/m...
Making your research better: a patient perspective - Cancer Research UK - Cancer News
Steve Clark tells us why patient involvement is so much more than just a requirement - it can actually bolster your research in surprising ways...
news.cancerresearchuk.org
January 16, 2026 at 2:10 PM
I was honoured to be invited to write this piece for Cancer Research UK Science and Innovation, sharing how lived experience can positively shape research - a topic I'm passionate about!
#RepresentingPatients
#PatientEngagement
news.cancerresearchuk.org/2026/01/15/m...
#RepresentingPatients
#PatientEngagement
news.cancerresearchuk.org/2026/01/15/m...
How long does it take to achieve change - it took 11 years to get Avastin approved for NHS prescription for bowel cancer! We eventually got it over the line just before Christmas.
The key factors are determination, resilience and teamwork
This was my entry to campaigning
The key factors are determination, resilience and teamwork
This was my entry to campaigning
January 15, 2026 at 10:33 AM
How long does it take to achieve change - it took 11 years to get Avastin approved for NHS prescription for bowel cancer! We eventually got it over the line just before Christmas.
The key factors are determination, resilience and teamwork
This was my entry to campaigning
The key factors are determination, resilience and teamwork
This was my entry to campaigning
I’m excited to be #RepresentingPatients at the 8th Patient Centricity & Collaboration Congress 2026 Europe in London on 25 and 26 February.
My topic is one I’m passionate about: IMPROVING COMMUNICATION IN HEALTHCARE NEEDS A COLLABORATIVE SOLUTION
Who’ll be there?
#PCCWC26
My topic is one I’m passionate about: IMPROVING COMMUNICATION IN HEALTHCARE NEEDS A COLLABORATIVE SOLUTION
Who’ll be there?
#PCCWC26
January 14, 2026 at 4:03 PM
I’m excited to be #RepresentingPatients at the 8th Patient Centricity & Collaboration Congress 2026 Europe in London on 25 and 26 February.
My topic is one I’m passionate about: IMPROVING COMMUNICATION IN HEALTHCARE NEEDS A COLLABORATIVE SOLUTION
Who’ll be there?
#PCCWC26
My topic is one I’m passionate about: IMPROVING COMMUNICATION IN HEALTHCARE NEEDS A COLLABORATIVE SOLUTION
Who’ll be there?
#PCCWC26
12 years ago I had a fab party go say thank you to all the friends and family who helped me get through my stage 4 diagnosis, surgery and intensive chemo.
I couldn’t have done it without their amazing help and support.
A great time was had by all and it was my first time singing with the band!
I couldn’t have done it without their amazing help and support.
A great time was had by all and it was my first time singing with the band!
January 11, 2026 at 7:57 PM
12 years ago I had a fab party go say thank you to all the friends and family who helped me get through my stage 4 diagnosis, surgery and intensive chemo.
I couldn’t have done it without their amazing help and support.
A great time was had by all and it was my first time singing with the band!
I couldn’t have done it without their amazing help and support.
A great time was had by all and it was my first time singing with the band!
Merry Christmas, especially for everyone going through chemo right now
Christmas is a great time but can be overwhelming when on treatment, so take time out when you need to, but don’t lock yourself away
Laughter truly is great medicine - remember to have fun!
MERRY CHRISTMAS 🎄
Christmas is a great time but can be overwhelming when on treatment, so take time out when you need to, but don’t lock yourself away
Laughter truly is great medicine - remember to have fun!
MERRY CHRISTMAS 🎄
December 22, 2025 at 10:17 PM
Merry Christmas, especially for everyone going through chemo right now
Christmas is a great time but can be overwhelming when on treatment, so take time out when you need to, but don’t lock yourself away
Laughter truly is great medicine - remember to have fun!
MERRY CHRISTMAS 🎄
Christmas is a great time but can be overwhelming when on treatment, so take time out when you need to, but don’t lock yourself away
Laughter truly is great medicine - remember to have fun!
MERRY CHRISTMAS 🎄
Sharing a fond memory - in 2014, a year after being diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer, I passed the Budokon MMA red belt
This shows that A DIAGNOSIS OF STAGE 4 CANCER DOESN’T HAVE TO BE THE END OF YOUR LIFE, IT CAN BE THE REASON TO START LIVING IT!
This shows that A DIAGNOSIS OF STAGE 4 CANCER DOESN’T HAVE TO BE THE END OF YOUR LIFE, IT CAN BE THE REASON TO START LIVING IT!
October 20, 2025 at 8:02 AM
Sharing a fond memory - in 2014, a year after being diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer, I passed the Budokon MMA red belt
This shows that A DIAGNOSIS OF STAGE 4 CANCER DOESN’T HAVE TO BE THE END OF YOUR LIFE, IT CAN BE THE REASON TO START LIVING IT!
This shows that A DIAGNOSIS OF STAGE 4 CANCER DOESN’T HAVE TO BE THE END OF YOUR LIFE, IT CAN BE THE REASON TO START LIVING IT!
90% of cancers happen in people over 50. @nature.com has an interesting edition focussing on cancer in OVER 50s
- why do risks of getting cancer increase with age
- how does cancer treatment affect aging process
- how do cancer treatments affect different age groups
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
- why do risks of getting cancer increase with age
- how does cancer treatment affect aging process
- how do cancer treatments affect different age groups
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Focusing on the complex and dynamic interplay between ageing and cancer
Nature Reviews Cancer - This Focus issue highlights current research at the intersection of ageing and cancer, and explores how insights gained from this may lead to better cancer prevention...
www.nature.com
October 12, 2025 at 6:47 PM
90% of cancers happen in people over 50. @nature.com has an interesting edition focussing on cancer in OVER 50s
- why do risks of getting cancer increase with age
- how does cancer treatment affect aging process
- how do cancer treatments affect different age groups
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
- why do risks of getting cancer increase with age
- how does cancer treatment affect aging process
- how do cancer treatments affect different age groups
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
ne thing about being a patient engagement consultant and patient advocate who is living life with a serious disease, is that I have to jump through certain hoops every now and again, and regular CT scans are part of this.
However I've never had a CT with pomp and circumstance!
1/3
However I've never had a CT with pomp and circumstance!
1/3
September 17, 2025 at 8:13 PM
ne thing about being a patient engagement consultant and patient advocate who is living life with a serious disease, is that I have to jump through certain hoops every now and again, and regular CT scans are part of this.
However I've never had a CT with pomp and circumstance!
1/3
However I've never had a CT with pomp and circumstance!
1/3
I love being able to champion change for patients by using my patient advocate experience & my pharma expertise. I’m grateful to @AdelphiGroup for inviting me to be part of such a challenging and forward-focussed session in Manchester last week.
1/3
#RepresentingPatients
1/3
#RepresentingPatients
September 17, 2025 at 8:05 PM
I love being able to champion change for patients by using my patient advocate experience & my pharma expertise. I’m grateful to @AdelphiGroup for inviting me to be part of such a challenging and forward-focussed session in Manchester last week.
1/3
#RepresentingPatients
1/3
#RepresentingPatients
I'm excited to be presenting "Effective Clinical Communication is Crucial for Patient Empowerment" at next month's conference, it looks like a great two day programme
For more information on the conference: patient-empowerment.com
#PatientEmpowerment25
#RepresentingPatients
For more information on the conference: patient-empowerment.com
#PatientEmpowerment25
#RepresentingPatients
August 6, 2025 at 9:47 AM
I'm excited to be presenting "Effective Clinical Communication is Crucial for Patient Empowerment" at next month's conference, it looks like a great two day programme
For more information on the conference: patient-empowerment.com
#PatientEmpowerment25
#RepresentingPatients
For more information on the conference: patient-empowerment.com
#PatientEmpowerment25
#RepresentingPatients
One of the privileges of being a Patient Advocate is that I get to #RepresentPatients. Recently I was asked to give the patient perspective on the future of DISEASE PREVENTION
An excellent report has been published HERE:
pharmaphorum.com/patients/pre...
1/2
An excellent report has been published HERE:
pharmaphorum.com/patients/pre...
1/2
A prevention healthcare revolution: The future of pharma
Explore the future of pharma as systems, data, and digital tools revolutionise prevention healthcare. Stay ahead with these industry insights!
pharmaphorum.com
July 31, 2025 at 8:07 AM
One of the privileges of being a Patient Advocate is that I get to #RepresentPatients. Recently I was asked to give the patient perspective on the future of DISEASE PREVENTION
An excellent report has been published HERE:
pharmaphorum.com/patients/pre...
1/2
An excellent report has been published HERE:
pharmaphorum.com/patients/pre...
1/2
Proud to have been involved in the GOOD PATIENT PARTNERSHIP GUIDE, a great initiative to encourage pharma to work with patients to help improve health literacy - critically important to help set patients up for treatment success
precisionaq.com/en-gb/good-pat… #RepresentingPatientsts
precisionaq.com/en-gb/good-pat… #RepresentingPatientsts
July 22, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Proud to have been involved in the GOOD PATIENT PARTNERSHIP GUIDE, a great initiative to encourage pharma to work with patients to help improve health literacy - critically important to help set patients up for treatment success
precisionaq.com/en-gb/good-pat… #RepresentingPatientsts
precisionaq.com/en-gb/good-pat… #RepresentingPatientsts
Sometimes I have to remind myself that “living life with stage 4 cancer” is about LIVING LIFE!
Last week I took Tommy on a little tour visiting family & friends then had a few days in the Peak District
Great adventure
#Stage4
#stage4cancer
#LivingLifeWithCancer
Last week I took Tommy on a little tour visiting family & friends then had a few days in the Peak District
Great adventure
#Stage4
#stage4cancer
#LivingLifeWithCancer
July 21, 2025 at 8:21 PM
Sometimes I have to remind myself that “living life with stage 4 cancer” is about LIVING LIFE!
Last week I took Tommy on a little tour visiting family & friends then had a few days in the Peak District
Great adventure
#Stage4
#stage4cancer
#LivingLifeWithCancer
Last week I took Tommy on a little tour visiting family & friends then had a few days in the Peak District
Great adventure
#Stage4
#stage4cancer
#LivingLifeWithCancer
What a great experience - spent Thursday and Friday in Harrogate with @cancerresearchuk.org for their ALL FELLOWS meeting - an opportunity to meet and network with talented cancer researchers from across the UK.
1/4
#CRUKAllFellows
1/4
#CRUKAllFellows
July 8, 2025 at 7:02 AM
What a great experience - spent Thursday and Friday in Harrogate with @cancerresearchuk.org for their ALL FELLOWS meeting - an opportunity to meet and network with talented cancer researchers from across the UK.
1/4
#CRUKAllFellows
1/4
#CRUKAllFellows
Here’s a new app giving access to the only bespoke, managed mobile database of bowel disease related research - could be a useful tool for any colorectal cancer patients looking for active studies.
Great initiative from Bowel Research UK and Acpgbi
bowelresearchuk.org/trialsapp/
Great initiative from Bowel Research UK and Acpgbi
bowelresearchuk.org/trialsapp/
July 2, 2025 at 6:24 PM
Here’s a new app giving access to the only bespoke, managed mobile database of bowel disease related research - could be a useful tool for any colorectal cancer patients looking for active studies.
Great initiative from Bowel Research UK and Acpgbi
bowelresearchuk.org/trialsapp/
Great initiative from Bowel Research UK and Acpgbi
bowelresearchuk.org/trialsapp/
Misinformation is rife around cancer and it’s putting people’s lives at risk
This report on BBC Panorama shines a light on these dangers and is worth a watch
Even Strive for Five is targeted by people peddling fake cures
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
This report on BBC Panorama shines a light on these dangers and is worth a watch
Even Strive for Five is targeted by people peddling fake cures
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
Panorama - Cancer Conspiracy Theories: Why Did Our Sister Die?
Marianna Spring investigates the rise of health conspiracy theories. Are social media companies’ algorithms pushing potentially harmful content at vulnerable patients?
www.bbc.co.uk
June 25, 2025 at 10:08 PM
Misinformation is rife around cancer and it’s putting people’s lives at risk
This report on BBC Panorama shines a light on these dangers and is worth a watch
Even Strive for Five is targeted by people peddling fake cures
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
This report on BBC Panorama shines a light on these dangers and is worth a watch
Even Strive for Five is targeted by people peddling fake cures
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
Being in a clinical trial can gain access to the latest treatments and help us all learn more about medicines in development.
The big challenge is often finding out about them - that’s where this site is excellent, best I’ve found:
clinicaltrials.gov
The big challenge is often finding out about them - that’s where this site is excellent, best I’ve found:
clinicaltrials.gov
June 8, 2025 at 12:41 PM
Being in a clinical trial can gain access to the latest treatments and help us all learn more about medicines in development.
The big challenge is often finding out about them - that’s where this site is excellent, best I’ve found:
clinicaltrials.gov
The big challenge is often finding out about them - that’s where this site is excellent, best I’ve found:
clinicaltrials.gov
This afternoon I had great fun recording a podcast as part of Chris Nichols’ series called “About Time”, we talked about Strive for Five and Beyond & so much more!
You can find the series here, it's a great listen: open.spotify.com/show/4hPwWq5...
You can find the series here, it's a great listen: open.spotify.com/show/4hPwWq5...
June 7, 2025 at 5:20 AM
This afternoon I had great fun recording a podcast as part of Chris Nichols’ series called “About Time”, we talked about Strive for Five and Beyond & so much more!
You can find the series here, it's a great listen: open.spotify.com/show/4hPwWq5...
You can find the series here, it's a great listen: open.spotify.com/show/4hPwWq5...
12 years ago today I was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel (colorectal) cancer
When I was told “it’s spread to your liver and both lungs” I thought my life was over, but thanks to great medical & surgical care, and the support of my incredible friends and family, I’M STILL HERE!
1/6
When I was told “it’s spread to your liver and both lungs” I thought my life was over, but thanks to great medical & surgical care, and the support of my incredible friends and family, I’M STILL HERE!
1/6
May 24, 2025 at 3:37 PM
12 years ago today I was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel (colorectal) cancer
When I was told “it’s spread to your liver and both lungs” I thought my life was over, but thanks to great medical & surgical care, and the support of my incredible friends and family, I’M STILL HERE!
1/6
When I was told “it’s spread to your liver and both lungs” I thought my life was over, but thanks to great medical & surgical care, and the support of my incredible friends and family, I’M STILL HERE!
1/6
Two sides of Wednesday -what a difference!
Started with my CT. I’m allergic to the contrast so I have to be on cetirizine and steroids, which ramps up the anxiety. Had to revisit the importance of the tip on coping with SCANXIETY (attached for anyone going through this)
1/3
Started with my CT. I’m allergic to the contrast so I have to be on cetirizine and steroids, which ramps up the anxiety. Had to revisit the importance of the tip on coping with SCANXIETY (attached for anyone going through this)
1/3
May 24, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Two sides of Wednesday -what a difference!
Started with my CT. I’m allergic to the contrast so I have to be on cetirizine and steroids, which ramps up the anxiety. Had to revisit the importance of the tip on coping with SCANXIETY (attached for anyone going through this)
1/3
Started with my CT. I’m allergic to the contrast so I have to be on cetirizine and steroids, which ramps up the anxiety. Had to revisit the importance of the tip on coping with SCANXIETY (attached for anyone going through this)
1/3
Let’s talk about food - can it cause cancer, and can it prevent cancer?
In their latest video, @cancerresearchuk.org talk to Professor Marc Gunter to tackle this issue - it’s worth a watch!
youtu.be/RxxjbuC7Ct4
In their latest video, @cancerresearchuk.org talk to Professor Marc Gunter to tackle this issue - it’s worth a watch!
youtu.be/RxxjbuC7Ct4
Can foods be cancerous? | That Cancer Conversation Podcast #diet #cancer #superfoods
YouTube video by Cancer Research UK
youtu.be
May 14, 2025 at 10:21 PM
Let’s talk about food - can it cause cancer, and can it prevent cancer?
In their latest video, @cancerresearchuk.org talk to Professor Marc Gunter to tackle this issue - it’s worth a watch!
youtu.be/RxxjbuC7Ct4
In their latest video, @cancerresearchuk.org talk to Professor Marc Gunter to tackle this issue - it’s worth a watch!
youtu.be/RxxjbuC7Ct4
Thank you to all the amazing nurses who’ve done so much to help me on my cancer journey over the past 11 years - I literally wouldn’t be here without you.
Thank you to all the nurses, what you do makes a real difference, we all appreciate you.
#InternationalNursesDay
Thank you to all the nurses, what you do makes a real difference, we all appreciate you.
#InternationalNursesDay
May 13, 2025 at 5:13 AM
Thank you to all the amazing nurses who’ve done so much to help me on my cancer journey over the past 11 years - I literally wouldn’t be here without you.
Thank you to all the nurses, what you do makes a real difference, we all appreciate you.
#InternationalNursesDay
Thank you to all the nurses, what you do makes a real difference, we all appreciate you.
#InternationalNursesDay
“The Prevention Revolution in your Healthcare” was the bold title of our expert panel yesterday afternoon at the #Anthropy25 meeting at Eden Project in Cornwall.
The whole discussion will be captured and condensed into a paper which will be published soon, watch this space!
The whole discussion will be captured and condensed into a paper which will be published soon, watch this space!
March 28, 2025 at 4:48 PM
“The Prevention Revolution in your Healthcare” was the bold title of our expert panel yesterday afternoon at the #Anthropy25 meeting at Eden Project in Cornwall.
The whole discussion will be captured and condensed into a paper which will be published soon, watch this space!
The whole discussion will be captured and condensed into a paper which will be published soon, watch this space!
I’m already feeling inspired and #Anthropy25 has only just started!
I’m at the Eden Project for the next few days & presenting in the session “The Prevention Revolution in Your Healthcare” where I’ll be representing the patient perspective
#RepresentingPatients
I’m at the Eden Project for the next few days & presenting in the session “The Prevention Revolution in Your Healthcare” where I’ll be representing the patient perspective
#RepresentingPatients
March 26, 2025 at 11:32 AM
I’m already feeling inspired and #Anthropy25 has only just started!
I’m at the Eden Project for the next few days & presenting in the session “The Prevention Revolution in Your Healthcare” where I’ll be representing the patient perspective
#RepresentingPatients
I’m at the Eden Project for the next few days & presenting in the session “The Prevention Revolution in Your Healthcare” where I’ll be representing the patient perspective
#RepresentingPatients
Excited to share our new white paper on engaging patients fully in the development of their medicines!
We hope is an interesting and stimulating paper. I'm looking forward to hearing your responses and opinions
Check out the full manifesto here: bit.ly/4kXKpPm
We hope is an interesting and stimulating paper. I'm looking forward to hearing your responses and opinions
Check out the full manifesto here: bit.ly/4kXKpPm
HOT OFF THE PRESS: ISPEP white paper on 'Do you mean it Pharma? Keeping promises to patients'
Website created by
bit.ly
March 24, 2025 at 11:51 AM
Excited to share our new white paper on engaging patients fully in the development of their medicines!
We hope is an interesting and stimulating paper. I'm looking forward to hearing your responses and opinions
Check out the full manifesto here: bit.ly/4kXKpPm
We hope is an interesting and stimulating paper. I'm looking forward to hearing your responses and opinions
Check out the full manifesto here: bit.ly/4kXKpPm