Dr Anisha Patel

Dr Anisha Patel is a medical doctor and an author, recognized for her work in health education and patient advocacy. Her background includes years of experience as a General Practitioner (GP), a role that provided her with a foundational understanding of various health issues. This professional experience was significantly deepened by her personal journey as a stage IIIB rectal cancer survivor. This dual perspective as both a doctor and a patient has shaped her approach to healthcare communication, focusing on empathy, education, and empowerment.

Following her cancer diagnosis, Dr Patel committed herself to using her experiences to assist others navigating similar health challenges. She actively educates both medical professionals and the general public, aiming to improve health literacy and patient outcomes. Dr Patel is a media doctor, keynote speaker, and panelist, consistently discussing bowel cancer and broader health topics across various platforms. She has authored “Everything you’d hoped you’d never need to know about bowel cancer,” an Amazon bestseller that provides guidance on disease prevention, diagnosis, and survival. Her work also involves breaking down health stigmas and taboos, particularly concerning cancer screening and early detection, with a focus on communities with lower screening uptake.

Dr Patel dedicates her time to several charities, including Cancer Research UK (CRUK), Bowel Cancer UK, and Macmillan, where she contributes as a media volunteer, advisor, and supporter. She is also a friend of the Bowelbabefund and serves as a beneficiary Trustee for Teens Unite, supporting young people affected by cancer. Additionally, she is a Patron of the Fountain Centre charity. Her advocacy extends to governmental levels, where she has been involved in discussions concerning healthcare and cancer policies, and she contributes to major research initiatives like Our Future Health to ensure diverse representation.