Dr Zach Dovey, our Medical Director, has worked in some of the leading cancer centers in the world – having held positions in hospitals in France, Belgium, the UK and the US.

He trained at medical school in London, unusually qualifying both as a physician and a surgeon. Zach’s skills secured him the prestigious Solly Medal Prize for Medicine and Surgery and despite various other options open to him it was the specialism of urology, and specifically prostate cancer surgery, that was to really hold his fascination.

It is this fascination which has drawn Zach, currently a practising urologist in the US, into numerous research projects – but what really drives him is his commitment to his patients.

‘I take great pleasure in talking to patients and count many now as close personal friends,’ he says.

It was through these chats that Zach’s eyes were opened to how little in the way of reliable practical advice and emotional support was available to cancer patients and so the idea of NowWhat was born.

‘I think a friend summed it up when he told me that right after his diagnosis he thought: ‘I just wish I had someone to talk to, someone who knows what it’s like,’ says Zach.

‘Doctors in white coats can give the medical information, but if you’ve just been told you have cancer your mind is spinning – you really can’t fully understand what’s going to happen to you and how you’re going to feel in a 20 minute consultation.

‘I noticed that patients in doctor’s waiting rooms would often swap numbers and I started to think – why can’t we create a doctor’s room that’s open to everyone?’

Whereas patient forums are commonplace online, what Zach wanted was people matched according to an algorithm. He wanted to help link up those who are going through a similar experience – be that undergoing the same type of treatment, having a similar stage cancer or perhaps finding it hard to adjust to life post-treatment. Zach likens the algorithm to: ‘Netflix selecting a film that according to your profile should appeal to you.’

It is this kind of personal support, he says, which will become even more vital as increasing numbers of people live with -and survive – cancer.

‘The medical community has done so well,’ he says. ‘There are now three million people in the US and 400,000 in the UK living with prostate cancer.

‘But because cancer is still an emotive term, we need to appreciate that for people living with this disease, people who may need three monthly or six monthly checks to see if, for example, they need more treatment – it can be really challenging. I would find it difficult.’

Zach hopes that NowWhat can offer the support and practical advice that can make the hard times easier, and add clarity as to what to expect.

And whereas some sites might offer practical information and others the chance to swap experiences with fellow patients, Zach’s idea was a one-stop-shop. Visitors to NowWhat will also learn about the latest scientifically based advice – be that about treatment, lifestyle or diet.

‘Everyone looks to the newest chemotherapy or the latest vaccine but actually there is a lot of evidence – and clinicians are only just realising this – that mindfulness or a change of diet and physical exercise, for example, can improve your long term outlook from cancer,’ he says.

‘When you’re talking to patients and you start to tell to them about this you can see their interest. It’s at this point they think: “Ok, this is something I can do – I can now make a difference.”’

Zach was also adamant the NowWhat site wasn’t just aimed at those newly diagnosed or in the middle of treatment, but also to those whose medical appointments have stopped and treatment has ended. As a result, NowWhat will provide recommendations about coping with the ongoing side effects from treatment, ideas on how to manage anxiety about a recurrence of cancer and lifestyle tips on how to lead a healthy life going forward.

‘I want to provide all patients with everything they need to know to help maximise their chance of a healthy, happy future,’ says Zach.