Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1993 after requesting a health check (no symptoms experienced). Treated with hysterectomy then chemotherapy. Recurrence after 10 years treated with chemotherapy.

Daughter of a man who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in June 2001, at the age of 81, and who died in October 2001.

• Living with dying: Carers

Diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer in 1995, which was treated with regular chemotherapy, at least every nine months. In 2003 developed metastases in the spine.

Diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2001, and unsuccessfully treated with a bladder infusion of BCG. Offered radiotherapy but declined because it was thought that treatment might affect mobility (due to polyneuropathy diagnosed in 1994).

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1998 following breathing and bladder problems, weight gain and bloating, and changed bowel habits. Treated by surgical removal of both ovaries and abdominal fluid, chemotherapy, then hysterectomy and further chemotherapy.

Diagnosed with multiple myeloma and AL amyloidosis in 2002, treated with chemotherapy

Developed motor neurone disease in 1992, officially diagnosed in 1995, decided not to take the drug riluzole because of possible side effects.

Diagnosed with lung cancer in 2002, treated with chemotherapy, and radiotherapy

Diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2001, followed by anterior resection of the colon and chemotherapy In 2003 secondary tumour found in the liver, followed by a liver section. Has also used complementary therapies.

Diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in January 2003, (particularly affecting the right lung), followed by chemotherapy.