Click here to read the latest edition of Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance’s stakeholder newsletter.
This edition includes updates on:
Members of the public in Hull, Grimsby, Scunthorpe, Selby and York are being encouraged to get to grips with lung cancer – literally – by Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance this November.
For Lung Cancer Awareness Month, the Cancer Alliance is taking a three-metre-tall inflatable lung on tour across the region to shopping centres and other community spaces to spark conversation and raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of lung cancer. Here’s where the lung will be.
| Friday, 8 November | Freeman Street Market, Grimsby | 10am-2pm |
| Wednesday, 13 November | North Point Shopping Centre, Hull | 10am-2pm |
| Monday, 18 November | The Summit, Selby (Cancer Café) | 10am-2pm |
| Tuesday, 26 November | The Ironstone Centre, Scunthorpe | 10am-1pm |
| Friday, 29 November | Monks Cross Shopping Park, York | 10am-2pm |
Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK. Around 18,600 men and 16,100 women die from lung cancer in the UK every year, making it the biggest cancer killer in the UK.
The majority of lung cancer diagnosis cases happen between the ages of 70 and 74, but cases rise rapidly from 55 onwards. Lung cancer is rare in people under 40. 79% of lung cancer cases are preventable, and 72% are caused by smoking.
Early detection of lung cancer is key. People diagnosed with the disease in its earliest stages are nearly 20 times more likely to survive for five years than those whose cancer is caught late.
Unfortunately, seven in 10 cancer patients are being diagnosed too late – often because there are no signs or symptoms during the early stages of the disease.
Dr Stuart Baugh, Clinical Programme Director for the NHS Targeted Lung Health Check programme in Humber and North Yorkshire, said: “The large inflatable lung is a great tool for helping people to understand how the lungs work, what lung cancer is, and how it looks inside the body.
“There’s no doubt it’ll turn heads this November, but we hope it will also get people thinking about lung cancer and help encourage contact with a GP if someone thinks they may be showing signs or symptoms.”
Dr Marcia Pathak, a GP from Raj Medical Centre in Grimsby, urges people to take note of the six signs of lung cancer.
She said: “If you’ve had a cough for three weeks or more, please see a GP – especially if you also have one or more of the following symptoms as well:
“Often, people struggle on with a cough, thinking it’s a cold, flu or COVID-19. But if it’s been three weeks, don’t sit on that symptom, or any other changes causing concern.”
Retired nurse Sue Woodward, 73, from York, North Yorkshire, was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2022 – but her symptom was unusual.
“I didn’t understand why, at 71, having long since gone through the menopause, I was waking up with night sweats, so I decided to see my GP,” she said.
“Luckily, they were sympathetic and referred me to York Hospital on the variable symptoms’ pathway. The hospital arranged a CT scan, and in April 22 following biopsy they identified a tumour in my right lung, which had spread to other nodes in my central chest area.
“The tumour was removed from the lung, but cancer remained in my central chest area. But here I am in 2024, having had amazing support and treatment, and at my last scan, nothing was showing at all!
“It just shows that even though there are traditional symptoms for lung cancer, it can also become apparent in less obvious ways. I consider myself highly lucky. Please, if you notice any differences to your body, don’t wait, because it might be too late otherwise.”
Lung cancer awareness will be spread far and wide across the region at engagement sessions – and across the Cancer Alliance’s social media channels too. Follow the Cancer Alliance on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) to help share their messages.
If you or a loved one needs information on, or support for lung cancer, visit the Cancer Alliance website to be signposted to local lung cancer support groups.
You can also help the Cancer Alliance by completing surveys on cancer experience of care, and attitudes to cancer.
Visit the Cancer Alliance’s Lung Cancer Awareness Month page to find out more.
Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance is pleased to announce that NHS Humber Health Partnership is to take part in the colorectal cancer vaccine trial (BNT122-01). Specialist cancer teams at Castle Hill Hospital in Cottingham will soon offer fast-tracked access to a personalised cancer vaccine for a small number of eligible patients.
Personalised cancer vaccines work by preparing a person’s immune system to recognise and destroy cancer cells and reduce the risk of the disease returning.
In May, NHS England announced the launch of the NHS Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad which, through a series of trials, will provide up to 10,000 patients in the UK with personalised cancer treatments by 2030. At the time, around 30 hospital trusts in England had signed up to the launch pad.
People with cancer who are receiving NHS treatment in England can be assessed to see if they might be eligible to join a cancer vaccine clinical trial, and then referred to a hospital that is running a trial. If you are eligible for the trial your clinical team will invite you to take part.
As part of the colorectal cancer vaccine trial, sponsored by BioNTech SE, the Trust will initially offer personalised cancer vaccines to people from across the Humber and North Yorkshire region with colorectal cancer. This is a fast-developing field of research and it is likely vaccine trials for other cancers will become available in the not-too-distant future. To find out more about the current study, you can view a short video here.
Dr Kartikae Grover, Clinical Director, Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance, said: “The creation of the national cancer vaccine launch pad to offer personalised cancer vaccines to people diagnosed with cancer could certainly be a landmark moment in the fight against cancer.
“It is therefore really pleasing that some cancer patients in Humber and North Yorkshire will be able to take part in the personalised cancer vaccine trial, which may help to reduce a patient’s risk of their cancer returning.
“The Cancer Alliance is working with colleagues at Castle Hill Hospital to roll out the trial to colorectal cancer patients in the first instance, with the view to offering other trials to other cancer patients in the future.”
Dr Rajarshi Roy, Consultant Clinical Oncologist, at NHS Humber Health Partnership, said: “It is amazing for us to have been selected as a trial site for the colorectal cancer vaccine trial and for us to also be one of the Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad sites, so that we might be able to offer personalised cancer vaccines to people in our region. It is a proud moment for us to play a part in finding new and better ways to treat cancer and prevent it from returning.
“Personalised cancer vaccines are potentially a game changer in cancer treatment and prevention. Cancers can return after potentially curative treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy (or a combination of all), as some viable cancer cells can remain in the body, which can lead to a recurrence in the future. A personalised cancer vaccine can target those last remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence still further.”
Cancer vaccine trials are for people who have been diagnosed with cancer, either for the first time or for a returning cancer, who are undergoing treatment. Not everybody who has been diagnosed or is having treatment for cancer will be eligible for a trial.
More than 10,000 people in Scunthorpe are to be invited for a free NHS Lung Health Check.
The NHS Targeted Lung Health Check Service, which is helping to save lives through earlier diagnosis of lung cancer and other conditions, is now being offered to eligible participants living in Scunthorpe.
This is the first phase roll out of the programme in North Lincolnshire, which will see more than 22,000 people living in the region receive an invite for a free NHS Targeted Lung Health Check in October 2024.
A lung health check can help to identify lung cancer and other respiratory diseases early, often before symptoms occur and when treatment could be more successful.
Past and current smokers, aged between 55 and 74, are being invited in phases and eligible participants, who live in Scunthorpe and are registered with one of the following GP practices, will be invited for a lung health check:
They will receive a letter inviting them to book a telephone assessment with a specially trained respiratory nurse. Following the telephone assessment, participants may be invited for a low-dose CT scan onboard a high-tech mobile unit at Brumby Hall from November.
Dr Stuart Baugh, Programme Director for the NHS Targeted Lung Health Check programme in Humber and North Yorkshire said: “The Lung Health Check service is a vital step towards better outcomes for people at highest risk of respiratory diseases.
“Not only does it help to provide most people with reassurance that their lungs are currently healthy, it also helps to detect any lung conditions early and supports people to stop smoking if they wish to do so.
“The programme first launched in Hull in January 2020 and since then eligible participants from North East Lincolnshire and East Riding of Yorkshire have been invited. As we continue to roll out the service across Humber and North Yorkshire, we are pleased to start the invitation process for participants in North Lincolnshire.”
Find out more about Lung Health Checks at www.lunghealthcheck.org.uk.
Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance recently presented its inaugural Excellence in Cancer Awards.
The awards were launched in June to celebrate the people working in cancer services in Humber and North Yorkshire for their hard work, innovation and unwavering commitment to deliver the best care for patients possible in the region.
On Thursday, 19th September, the Cancer Alliance revealed the results at its annual conference at Lakeside Conference Centre, York Biotech Campus.
A total of 55 nominations were received in the four award categories: clinical leadership; championing the patient voice; going the extra mile; and quality improvement and innovation.
The list of nominees were whittled down into a shortlist per category, then the highly commended entrants and winners were announced and presented with awards.
Congratulations to all the nominees. Here is the full list of results.
Going the Extra Mile
Highly commended:
Laura Trout
Oncology and Haematology Day Unit, Humber Health and Care Partnership – (to be collected by Samantha Pickering)
Dr Rebecca Hector
Winner:
Sarah York & Sandie Dolben
Quality Improvement and Innovation
Highly Commended:
Auos Al-Dujaily
Amber Gratton
Ruth Gibson
Winner:
Macmillan Workforce Development Clinical Nurse Specialist Programme
Clinical Leadership
Highly Commended: Pam Parker
Winner: Stephanie Hatcliffe
Championing the Patient Voice
Highly Commended: Colm Gough
Winner: Helen Roberts
Thousands of people in Humber and North Yorkshire are being invited to share their attitudes, awareness and understanding of cancer in a regional survey carried out by York St John University on behalf of Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance.
The Cancer Alliance has commissioned the university’s Institute for Health and Care Improvement (IHCI) and local Healthwatch organisations to undertake the survey of more than 5,600 people to discover their attitudes, awareness and understanding of cancer in Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, North Lincolnshire, North East Lincolnshire, York and North Yorkshire.
According to the Office for National Statistics, the overall Yorkshire and Humber area has a standardised cancer incidence rate of 617 people diagnosed per 100,000 people – a rate significantly higher than the England average.
The objectives of the cancer awareness (CAM) survey are to:
The survey launches in October and the results are due to be published in March next year.
Lucy Turner, Managing Director, Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance, said: “Humber and North Yorkshire is an area with a diverse geography and significant variance in cancer diagnosis between different population groups. Understanding the challenges and barriers to early diagnosis within all the communities in Humber and North Yorkshire in an inclusive way is a key priority for the Cancer Alliance.
“The previous Cancer Awareness Measures survey was conducted in 2010 across a smaller geography, so the Cancer Alliance wanted to commission a new survey to better understand the needs of our varied populations.
“The Cancer Alliance intends to use the findings and learnings from the survey to inform and direct both internal strategic plans and interventions but also the potential to contribute to NHS providers thinking for future planning of cancer services.”
Academics across different disciplines at York St John University are working with IHCI researchers to set up and run the survey, analyse the responses and report on the data findings. They aim to identify key differences in the responses between different groups of residents and also compare regional results to the national data. They will be working closely with the Cancer Alliance to explore any differences and then disseminate the findings.
The CAM survey findings will support and inform the needs of NHS commissioners and providers and contribute to gaining a more granular understanding of differences in community awareness and understanding of cancer, inclusive of risks, signs, symptoms, and screening. The findings will also inform both internal strategic plans and interventions but also the potential to contribute to NHS providers thinking for future planning of cancer services. This will include targeted support and resources for identified communities.
Professor Garry Tew, Director of York St John University’s Institute for Health and Care Improvement, said: “The IHCI is delighted to be leading the delivery of this survey within the Humber and North Yorkshire region which will measure the public’s cancer awareness, attitudes and behaviours across key cancer topics.
“The results of this survey will support the development of cancer prevention and early diagnosis initiatives. This work highlights the growing success of the IHCI as it continues to develop and collaborate with key partners across the health landscape.”
People living in the six areas of Humber and North Yorkshire – Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, North Lincolnshire, North East Lincolnshire, York and North Yorkshire – are being encouraged to take part in the survey: https://bit.ly/47MwBkg.
A super-size version of Snakes and Ladders is coming to Hull, Bridlington, Scunthorpe, Scarborough and York this October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, helping Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance to smash taboos and raise awareness of the importance of breast screening.
By taking part in the immersive experience and walking around the board as their own lifesize counter, people will learn about the barriers and facilitators to attending an NHS breast screening appointment via large playing cards.
It’s hoped the 3 metre x 3 metre board game, taking centre stage at the Cancer Alliance’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month engagement sessions, will start life-saving conversations and address the fears surrounding breast cancer. Find out where you can play the game.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK. Around 11,400 women die from breast cancer in the UK every year. It is the fourth biggest cancer killer in the UK, and the second biggest cause of cancer death in women. However, 46.3% of women invited for a mammogram for the first time do not attend a screening appointment.
The Cancer Alliance worked in partnership with researcher Emily Lunn from Hull York Medical School (HYMS) to create this innovative take on an old family favourite, which received funding from Yorkshire Cancer Research.
Emily said: “There are many challenges people face when thinking about attending breast screening. For some, it’s not as easy as just turning up for their mammogram because of various factors. The aim of this game is to start a conversation, while raising awareness of breast screening.
“This game is not just for women aged 50-70 who are invited for breast screening, it is for everyone. We want everyone to feel comfortable talking about breast screening openly. We also want to highlight there are ways to overcome some of the challenges, and for them to raise awareness of breast screening with the women in their own lives.”
Cancer Alliance volunteers will be on hand at the engagement sessions to discuss breast cancer, the symptoms and how to check your body for signs of the disease.
The Cancer Alliance’s #getintouchwithyourself campaign runs throughout October and is aimed at women who are reluctant to attend breast screening appointments, particularly for the first time.
Sonia Bowers, 50, from Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire, is a member of the Cancer Alliance Patient and Public Representative Group. She was diagnosed with breast cancer last October, and identifies with first-time breast cancer screening invitees who can be less likely to attend or make a screening appointment.
“I totally get it – modern life is so busy, and when we reach the age for breast screening, we’re so busy caring about others, like children, grandchildren and elderly parents, that we forget to look after ourselves,” Sonya said.
“And even if we do have any free time, we might not want to spend it at a breast screening appointment. My mother, who had lung cancer, told me that breast screening was painful. So I skipped two appointment invites.
“In October 2023, I found a lump while self-checking. I went to see my GP and was referred to hospital within a fortnight. After undergoing chemotherapy and five rounds of radiotherapy, I’m free of cancer.
“Think about all those people you care for, and how they’d feel if you left it too late to be screened. For a couple of minutes of discomfort – the time it takes to make a cuppa – you could have peace of mind. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the greater the chance of survival.”
Dr Marcia Pathak, from Raj Medical Centre in Grimsby, is also keen for people to get in touch with themselves. She said: “Keep an eye out for these symptoms:
– lumps or swelling in your breast, chest or armpit
– a change in the skin of your breast, such as dimpling or redness
– Has one or both of your breasts changed shape? Or has the side of your chest changed in size?
– Also, look out for nipple discharge (if you’re not pregnant or breastfeeding), which may have blood in it, or a change in the shape or look of a nipple, or a rash on it
– and check for sores or ulcers on your chest too.”
Breast cancer awareness will be spread across the Cancer Alliance’s social media channels too, using the hashtag #getintouchwithyourself. Follow the Cancer Alliance on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) to help share their messages.
If you or a loved one needs information on, or support for breast cancer, visit the Cancer Alliance website to be signposted to local breast cancer support groups. You can also help the Cancer Alliance by completing surveys on cancer experience of care, and attitudes to cancer.
Visit the Cancer Alliance’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month page to find out more.
Click here to read the latest edition of Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance’s stakeholder newsletter.
This edition includes updates on:
On Thursday, 19th September 2024, Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance was pleased to present its biggest annual conference yet, at Lakeside Conference Centre, York Biotech Campus.
The conference celebrated the work that takes place across the Humber and North Yorkshire region to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and care of cancer patients.
With 210 attendees present, this was the most successful Cancer Alliance annual conference yet, with representation from primary and secondary care, NHS England, patient representatives, cancer charities, and third-party organisations.
In the morning, there was a showing of the film KPOW! (Know the Power of Words), which was co-funded by the Cancer Alliance and Macmillan Cancer Support, followed by a discussion with the cast and crew.
Then, David Fitzgerald, Programme Director for NHS England’s Cancer Programme, presented an overview of the progress made on the NHS Long Term Plan for cancer. Following this, delegates took part in breakout sessions by assorted facilitators.
In the afternoon, renowned Oxford University cancer physician Dr Lennard Lee explained why the oncology community is embracing the UK cancer vaccine advance.
A fun, thought-provoking day was rounded-up in upbeat fashion with the Cancer Alliance’s inaugural Excellence In Cancer awards.
Lucy Turner, Managing Director for Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance, said: “The whole Cancer Alliance team is buzzing from the afterglow of our biggest and best conference yet. There is so much to do to improve cancer care, but it was thriling to be able to recognise our achievements this past year, and look forward to what the future holds.
“Dr Lennard Lee’s speech was so inspiring, and it was a joy to hear members of the audience celebrating when their colleagues won our first-ever Excellence In Cancer awards.
“Our annual conference goes from strength to strength and we’re already making plans for the 2025 instalment, so watch this space.”
Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance is pleased to announce the nominees for its inaugural Excellence in Cancer Awards.
The awards were launched in June to celebrate the people working in cancer services in Humber and North Yorkshire for their hard work, innovation and unwavering commitment to deliver the best care for patients possible in the region.
A total of 55 nominations were received in the four award categories: clinical leadership; championing the patient voice; going the extra mile; and quality improvement and innovation.
In the coming weeks the list of nominees will be whittled down into a shortlist per category.
The award winners will be announced at the Cancer Alliance’s annual conference at the Lakeside Conference Centre, York Biotech Campus, in York on Thursday, 19 September.
Congratulations to all the nominees.
Going the Extra Mile
Amethyst outpatient clinics staff – Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust
Gemma Brunsdon, Tania Hicks and Claire Walker from the Macmillan personalised care and information and support team – Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Michelle Clark
Dr Senthilkumar Durairaj
Sharon Edwards
Deena El-Sharief
Dr Rebecca Hector
Mark Hughes and the Humber, Yorkshire, Coast bowel cancer screening programme team
Emma Lewin
Mariya Nicolova
Oncology and haematology day treatment unit – Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Oncology SACT CNS team – Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Lesley Peacock and the Humberside breast cancer screening programme team
Pharmacy aseptic team – Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Jenny Pyatt
Nicola Robson
Sarah Ross
Laura Trout
Claire Whitehead and the Harrogate, Leeds and York bowel cancer screening programme team
Sarah York and Sandie Dolben
Quality Improvement and Innovation
Auos Al-Dujaily
Suzanne Anderson
Doly Baby
Hannah Baker
Kate Blee
Dr Elaine Boland
Debbie Brian and the North Yorkshire breast cancer screening programme team
Oliver Byass and the rapid diagnostic service team – Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Chemocare project team (nursing and pharmacy) – York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Charlotte Ellis
Ruth Gibson
Colm Gough
Amber Gratton
Jennifer Guobadia
Gynaecology cancer pathway team – Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Dr Mark Hajjawi
Farzana Haque
Macmillan lung cancer nurse specialist team – York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Professor Anthony Maravayas
Sophie Milner
Gillian Moy
Aneta Neumann
Lesley Peacock and the Humber breast cancer screening programme team
Karen Quail
SACT electronic scheduling implementation team – York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Sarah Scargill
Lucy Turner
Unsuspected pulmonary embolism pathway team – Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Urology and radiology teams – Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Clinical Leadership
Gavin Anderson
Tracey Doherty
Stephanie Hatcliffe
Pam Parker
Jenny Piper
Championing the Patient Voice
Sharon Edwards
Colm Gough
Emily Johnson
Helen Roberts
Claire Swatman
Email: [email protected]
Address: Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance, Health House, Grange Park Lane, Willerby, Hull HU10 6DT
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