Fellow's Profile
Brian Lobel
Fellow's Profile
Brian Lobel
Rethinking Cancer Rituals: Learning from US Practices to Improve Patient Transitions in the UK
Fellowship
- Themes
- Focus
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Creating rituals & cultural solutions to support cancer patients' lives post-treatment.
- Countries
- Fellowship year
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2026
- Locality
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London
Contact
Biography
I am a performer, celebrant and Professor of Theatre and Performance at Rose Bruford College. Since having cancer in my early 20s, I have been working across the arts and health sector creating work with patient groups, supporting doctors and nurses in research, and exploring pathways for patient voice and lived experience to be encouraged, honoured and platformed.
More than three million people in the UK now live with and beyond cancer, yet many experience a sharp drop-off (described as the 'cancer cliff') in psychosocial support once treatment ends. Rates of anxiety and depression remain up to 50 per cent higher than the general population, particularly for those facing recurrence or chronic care. We might expect such outcomes, but we should not accept them.
My Fellowship is dedicated to finding cultural and artistic solutions to support patients and those who care about them, easing the cancer cliff to something more empowered, manageable and community-supported. From formal, hospital-sanctioned gatherings, to small private rituals, my Fellowship will focus on how cultural interventions (rituals, ceremonies, etc) might supplement cancer care in holistic and innovative ways.
Disclaimer
All Reports are copyright © the author. The moral right of the author has been asserted. The views and opinions expressed by any Fellow are those of the Fellow and not of the Churchill Fellowship or its partners, which have no responsibility or liability for any part of them.
Disclaimer
All Reports are copyright © the author. The moral right of the author has been asserted. The views and opinions expressed by any Fellow are those of the Fellow and not of the Churchill Fellowship or its partners, which have no responsibility or liability for any part of them.
