In The News

Cancer specialist and comedian Rob Buckman passes away

Cancer specialist and comedian Rob Buckman passes away

THE death has taken place of Rob Buckman who was not only a cancer specialist but also had a great talent for comedy. He was 63.

He was a great communicator on medical issues and was the author of a number of books, including Cancer Is A Word, Not A Sentence which offered patients advice on their illness and the various treatments available, as well as guidance on how to remain positive.

Dr. Buckman had enjoyed acting as a teenager and then as a student at Cambridge he performed in the Footlights.

As a junior doctor he met Chris Beetles and together they began writing and performing comedy. Among the TV shows they appeared on was The Pink Medicine Show (1977).

In the early 1980s, Dr. Buckman was struck by an autoimmune disease. At the time it was feared it would be fatal, but he decided to make a film which would help people suffering from similar illnesses. However, following treatment with a new drug the illness was halted.

But his health was to falter again soon afterwards when another autoimmune disease struck, which was to leave him suffering partially paralysed.

His health problems never halted his medical and entertainment work.

In recent years he was based at Toronto’s Princess Margaret Hospital.

He passed away on a flight to Toronto from London, where he had just completed a series of short films called Top Ten Tips for Health.

To view an interview in which Dr. Buckman discussed his views on cancer click here.

 

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