Blood Cancer UK supports BBC EastEnders storyline highlighting acute myeloid leukaemia
United Kingdom
Blood Cancer UK has been working closely with EastEnders to support a major new BBC storyline in which Denise Fox – played by Diane Parish - is diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), a fast-growing and aggressive type of blood cancer.
Denise Fox displayed by Diana Parish in BBC soap EastEnders
Blood Cancer UK has provided expertise, as well as clinical and lived experience insight to help ensure the portrayal reflects the realities of diagnosis, treatment and life with a hard-to-treat blood cancer.
What we had to say
"It’s been a privilege advising the EastEnders team at the BBC to ensure Denise’s storyline reflects the real experiences of people living with blood cancer and those who care for them. Blood cancers, which include leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma, do not discriminate yet experiences and outcomes can vary significantly, including by ethnicity. Being Black and living with an aggressive blood cancer like acute myeloid leukaemia can bring additional challenges. We hope viewers gain a greater understanding of blood cancer’s impact and we’re pleased this issue is being highlighted on a powerful platform, helping make a ‘hidden’ cancer more visible.”
