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Cancer Alliance

Aug 02
picture of a man sat on a bed coughing with wording about a cough lasting three weeks or more being a warning sign

NHS launches awareness campaign in Humber and North Yorkshire for England’s most deadly cancer

By Awareness and Early Diagnosis, National Campaigns

The NHS in Humber and North Yorkshire is encouraging people with symptoms such as a long-standing persistent cough, to contact their GP practice for potentially lifesaving checks in its latest campaign to catch lung cancer earlier when it is easier to treat.

The launch of the latest Help Us Help You campaign comes after figures suggest that people at risk of lung cancer may not be coming forward for care despite lung cancer being the biggest cause of cancer deaths in England.

While most cancer referrals quickly returned to pre-pandemic levels after the first wave of COVID-19, lung cancer referrals only returned to pre-pandemic levels in May 2022.

Cancer health chiefs are warning the public to contact their GP team if they have had a persistent cough for longer than three weeks or notice other symptoms like coughing up blood or persistent breathlessness.

Lung cancer is one of the most serious type of cancers and last year was the fifth biggest cause of death in England accounting for 26,410 deaths.

Thanks to national awareness campaigns and early diagnosis initiatives, one in every four GP referrals are now for suspected cancer and the NHS is seeing record numbers of people getting checked for cancer. Over 5.3 million people were referred between June 2021 and May 2022, and over 670,000 have started treatment since March 2020.

The latest campaign will target the groups of people most at risk including over 60s, as well as people who are often more reluctant to visit their GP practice, which is critical to getting an early diagnosis.

Professor Peter Johnson, National Clinical Director for Cancer said: “It is vital that people stay alert against suspected lung cancer symptoms, so if you have a continuous cough or breathlessness, don’t ignore or assume it’s something else, please visit your GP and get it checked out – it probably won’t be cancer but catching it early can help save lives”.

The NHS ‘Help Us, Help You’ campaign will run across TV, video-on-demand services such as ITV Hub, radio, and social media over the next few months to spread awareness of lung cancer symptoms.

Cally Palmer, NHS England National Cancer Director said: “We know for a fact most people who get diagnosed with lung cancer early go on to survive so it is imperative that people are aware of the symptoms and come forward as quickly as possible.

“The NHS is here to help and our services are open so people should not hesitate to come forward if they notice potential lung cancer symptoms”.

Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said: “The ‘Help Us Help You’ initiative is empowering people to come forward for screening – particularly for lung cancer.

“I want to thank all those that continue to be involved in this life-saving campaign, which aims to increase the number of cancer patients diagnosed at earlier stages from half to three-quarters by 2028.

“If you have any of the key symptoms set out by the NHS, I urge you to see your GP without delay to get checked out – early diagnosis is absolutely vital to beat this disease”.

The NHS is also working with a leading lung cancer charity – the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation to run local awareness raising campaigns, as well as working with the foundation to rapidly expand the Targeted Lung Health Check Programme, currently in operation in Hull, which screen people at risk of developing lung cancer.

Paula Chadwick, chief executive of Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, said: “It is absolutely vital that if you are experiencing symptoms like a persistent cough or shortness of breath that you take action and contact your GP team. Don’t put it off. Don’t presume it’s nothing to worry about. Don’t worry about bothering your doctors. It is always best to check because if it is lung cancer, catching it early can make all the difference.”

Hear from local Hull residents who’ve benefitted from the Targeted Lung Health Check Programme and caught symptoms early enough for effective treatment.

The new lung cancer campaign is the latest drive by the NHS to deliver world-class cancer care and restore cancer services following the pandemic.

Earlier this year NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard announced a revolutionary drug, atezolizumab, for lung cancer patients thanks to an NHS England brokered deal which helps reduce the chance of lung cancer reappearing or death by 34%.

The NHS this year also secured access to durvalumab, which can help double how long somebody can survive an aggressive form of lung cancer, as well as, mobocertinib, which will help hundreds of patients tackle a rare form of lung cancer which can’t be removed by surgery.

Last month (July 2022), the NHS announced a breakthrough treatment for people with respiratory cancer, which is set to benefit around 1,000 patients a year in England.

Back in March an NHS campaign was backed by Boxers, Love Island and Killing Eve stars, to encourage people to come forward to get checked if they have potential cancer symptoms.

The NHS has also awarded £10 million to pioneering new cancer innovations to help improve cancer diagnosis across England.

The NHS Long Term Plan committed to increasing the proportion of cancers caught early, when they are easier to treat, from half to three in four.

 

Jul 27
picture of a nurse and man using scanner

NHS Targeted Lung Health Check service moves to East Hull

By Announcements, Awareness and Early Diagnosis

A high-tech mobile screening unit, which is helping to save lives through earlier diagnosis of lung cancer and other conditions, has moved to East Hull.

The NHS Targeted Lung Health Check Programme invites past and current smokers aged between 55 and 74 who live in Hull and are registered with a Hull GP to a free lung health check, to identify potential lung problems early so effective and early treatment can be provided.

The unit’s relocation from North Hull to Morrisons supermarket on Holderness Road will see approximately 10,000 people in East Hull invited for a lung health check within their local community.Unit at Morrisons on Holderness Road

The NHS Targeted Lung Health Check Programme supports the NHS Long Term Plan ambition of detecting more cancers at an earlier stage when they are easier to treat.

Thousands of people have been invited for a lung health check since the programme launched in Hull in January 2020, with around 10,500 assessments and 7,000 scans carried out during this time. In the small percentage where cancer is detected, many have been found at an earlier stage, which is likely to result in better outcomes for the patient.

The lung health check takes place in two stages. The first is an initial phone assessment with a specially trained respiratory nurse. If the assessment finds the person to be at high risk, they will be offered a low dose CT scan of the lungs for further investigation at the mobile unit.

Those eligible for a lung health check in East Hull will receive an invite from their GP over the coming weeks and are strongly urged to take up the offer.

Dr Stuart Baugh, Clinical Director for the NHS Targeted Lung Health Check Programme in Hull, said: “There are often no signs or symptoms of lung cancer at an early stage and as a result seven in 10 patients are diagnosed too late.

“Early intervention can make a huge difference with a CT scan three times more likely to support a diagnosis of cancer at an early stage, often before symptoms occur. It can also spot other lung and chest conditions, meaning that people can get help and support for conditions they may not even have realised they have.”

Dr Kanwal Tariq, Consultant in Chest Medicine at Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “Since the screening programme started, people across Hull have shown a real interest in and enthusiasm for lung health checks, and we hope this will be repeated as the mobile unit moves to the east of the city.

“Many participants won’t need to have a scan, just a chat with a friendly lung specialist respiratory nurse which involves discussing any potential risk factors, any current chest problems and then some useful advice on keeping the lungs healthy. If a CT scan is needed, the team will make that as quick and straight forward as possible.”

The first GP practices in East Hull to invite patients to attend screening are East Hull Family Practice, East Park Practice, Laurbel Surgery and Dr Weir – based at Marfleet Primary Healthcare Centre.

Dr Masood Balouch, an East Hull GP, said: “It is very encouraging to see hundreds of people attending for their lung health checks every month. As a local GP, working in the East Hull area for many years, I urge all eligible patients to take up the offer of a lung health check straight away. Please call to book your lung health check when you get your invitation letter through from your practice.

“Early detection of cancer not only allows earlier treatment and support for people, it also helps to improve their long-term health outcomes.”

If you are registered with a GP practice in East Hull and receive a lung health check invite, don’t ignore it – book your appointment today. Contact your GP if you if you think you are experiencing symptoms of lung cancer.

The NHS Lung Health Check Programme will be launching in North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire during early 2023. Find out more about lung health checks in Hull at www.lunghealthcheck.org.uk.

Jul 22
Cancer patient experience survey wording - help us improve cancer care for everyone with two speech bubble boxes

Cancer Patient Experience Survey results published

By Personalised Care

The 2021 Cancer Patient Experience Survey (CPES) results have been published.

What is the Cancer Patient Experience Survey

The survey has been carried out annually since 2010. It helps organisations that commission and provide cancer services to understand what aspects of cancer services are working well and identify areas for improvement.

The survey was refreshed in 2021 in response to feedback from patients, providers and commissioners of cancer services. It therefore should not be compared with results from previous years.

Regional response

The 2021 CPES survey was completed by 59,352 patients nationally. Equating to a response rate of 55%. In Humber and North Yorkshire 2,433 patients completed the survey. Resulting in a response rate of 60%.

How we use the results

As in previous years, the Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance will use the 2021 CPES results to identify local priorities and work with patients and partners to deliver positive change.

Areas for improvement

The areas for improvement identified in the 2021 survey across the Humber and North Yorkshire area include:

  • waiting times for diagnostic test results
  • patients having a main point of contact in their care team
  • staff providing patients with information on available support
  • cancer research opportunities being discussed with the patient.

Click here to view the Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance-area CPES results.

Jun 20
Cervical Screening Awareness Week logo

Cervical Screening Awareness Week

By Awareness and Early Diagnosis, Cancer Champions

Cervical Screening Awareness Week (20-26 June) is championed by Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust and raises the profile of cervical screening by sharing tips and experiences for those who find accessing screening appointments difficult.

To mark the week, the Cancer Alliance is offering free bitesize cervical screening awareness sessions to people living in Humber and North Yorkshire. The sessions will teach people about:

  • • the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer
  • • HPV and the HPV vaccination programme
  • • what happens at a screening test
  • • hints, tips and experiences that will help women and people with a cervix feel more able to book a test

To sign up for a free 30-minute session, please click here. 

For more information about the NHS Cervical Screening Programme, please visit.

cervical screening awareness week logo
Jun 14
Photo of volunteers standing out side a shop front holding a cheque

Charity shop raises £20k for cancer equipment

By Cancer Diagnosis and Innovations

A charity shop in Cleethorpes has raised £20,000, which will benefit bowel cancer patients at Grimsby hospital.

Sea View Cancer Charity Shop has been drumming up funds for the Health Tree Foundation (HTF) – the hospital’s official charity – for the last four years.

Photo of volunteers standing out side a shop front holding a cheque

Volunteers at the Sea View Cancer Charity Shop in Cleethorpes

The money has been raised through donations customers have made and sales made through the store. It will be put towards specialist equipment, which will help bowel cancer patients who need treatment during a very difficult time.

Prue Stillings, 72, one of the volunteers, who has worked at the store since it opened in the late 1970s, said: “It is fantastic that the money we have raised will go towards helping cancer patients at the hospital. I have had cancer myself three times so I wanted to give something back to people who have been through what I have.

“All of the ladies that work in the shop are volunteers and one of them is 94! We did struggle during the pandemic as we couldn’t open but things have got better recently. We received a grant from the council which really helped us. We are hoping to continue to raise more money for the charity in the future.”

The shop has previously raised more than £20,000 for HTF’s Rear into Gear appeal, which went towards new state-of-the-art equipment for the Colorectal Team at Grimsby and Scunthorpe hospitals.

Miss Stillings, who has previously been invited to Buckingham Palace to meet the Queen thanks to her fundraising efforts, added: “We started raising money after I lost my father and brother in the same week to cancer. We used to be based on St Peter’s Avenue but eventually moved to Sea View Street. We have raised more than £1 million over the years for various cancer causes.”

Lucy Skipworth, Grimsby Community Champion for HTF, said: “I am delighted that the Sea View Cancer Charity Shop has raised this incredible amount of money for us. It will really help our patients who use our cancer services.”

Jun 10
Our Latest Newsletter wording

Cancer Alliance Stakeholder Newsletter – June 2022

By Stakeholder Updates

Click here to read the latest edition of Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance’s stakeholder newsletter.

This edition includes updates on:

  • The Cancer Alliance’s 2021/22 annual report launch
  • A patient helping to support people affected by ovarian cancer
  • New research to evaluate if a blood test can detect cancer
  • Free training that is providing vital awareness of cancer
  • And much, much more!
May 25
Image of two people sat on an outdoor bench looking at each other.

Latest Cancer Quality of Life survey results published

By Involvement Opportunities, Personalised Care

The latest set of results for the Cancer Quality of Life Survey have been released.

The survey aims to find out how quality of life may have changed for people diagnosed with cancer, helping to identify where care is working well or not so well, and whether any new services are required to improve quality of life.

The inaugural Quality of Life survey results were released in September 2021 and are updated every six months, with the latest set of results released in late April 2022.

When the survey was first launched only people who had received a breast, prostate or colorectal cancer diagnosis were asked to complete the survey around 18 months after diagnosis.

Although since July 2021 the survey has been extended to capture the views of all cancer patients 18 months post-diagnosis, the results are still restricted to breast, prostate or colorectal cancer patients while results for other cancers are collated in numbers worth analysing.

The results show that quality of life for people affected by cancer in Humber and North Yorkshire (80.7 out of 100) was slightly higher than for those with a cancer diagnosis living in the rest of England (80.4).

Image of two people sat on an outdoor bench looking at each other.

The average overall health score for cancer respondents in Humber and North Yorkshire was 75.2 (out of 100) – the same as the national average. Unsurprisingly this figure is significantly lower than the average score for non-cancer patients which is 81.8.

To date the survey has been sent to 3,282 people in Humber and North Yorkshire and 1,795 of these people have completed the survey. The Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance’s response rate of 54.7% is the fifth highest response rate of the 21 cancer alliances in England.

Find out more: https://www.cancerdata.nhs.uk/cancerqol

May 12
Photo of the two lung health check units parked up in a supermarket car park

3,000 people could benefit from ‘life saving checks’ as NHS lung health check service moves to Tesco Superstore in Orchard Park

By Awareness and Early Diagnosis, Cancer Diagnosis and Innovations

3,000 people could benefit from ‘life saving checks’ as NHS lung health check service moves to Tesco Superstore in Orchard Park

Photo of the two lung health check units parked up in a supermarket car park

A high-tech mobile screening unit, which is helping to save lives through earlier diagnosis of lung cancer and other conditions, has just arrived at Tesco Superstore on Hall Road in Orchard Park.

The relocation of the NHS lung health check unit marks the start of approximately 3,000 more people being invited to attend the service, which offers those at increased risk of lung cancer an MOT for their lungs.

The NHS lung health check service originally launched in west Hull in January 2020 and has since delivered over 8,700 assessments, helped to diagnose cancer and other respiratory diseases at an early stage, and provided opportunities for earlier treatment that has saved people’s lives.

Current and former smokers who live in Hull, are aged from 55 to 74 and are registered with a GP in the north Hull area, will receive a lung health check invitation from their GP over the next few weeks.

The lung health check takes place in two stages. The first is an initial phone assessment with a specially trained respiratory nurse.

Christine (left) and Danny (right) sat on a bench outdoors.

Danny (right) received curative treatment after his lung health check helped to identify lung cancer early.

If the assessment finds the person to be at high risk, they will be offered a low dose CT scan of the lungs for further investigation.

The CT scanner is housed on board a high-tech mobile screening unit that has previously been located at North Point Shopping Centre in north Hull and Lidl in west Hull. As the service moves around the city, participants who wish to stop smoking are also offered expert support and advice.

Dr Masood Balouch, a local GP and NHS Hull Clinical Commissioning Group Board member, said: “Having supported many patients with advanced lung cancer, I know how vitally important it is to book your lung health check appointment when invited, even if you feel fine.

“Lung cancer is commonly diagnosed at a late stage as there often no symptoms in the earliest stages, but lung health checks are helping us to spot cancer earlier, often before symptoms occur.

“If you are registered with a GP practice in north Hull and receive a lung health check invite, don’t ignore it – book your appointment straight away. If you are experiencing symptoms of lung cancer, contact your GP straight away and do not wait for a lung health check.”

Dr Gavin Anderson, Responsible Clinician for NHS Targeted Lung Health Checks in Hull, said: “Following an initial telephone assessment with a specialised respiratory nurse, eligible participants may be invited to attend a follow-up CT scan on board the mobile unit.

“There are lots of safety measures on board to reduce any risk of Covid-19 and the dedicated team are available to answer any questions you may have either before or after your appointment.

“Lung health check scan results are analysed by a specialist clinical ‘hub’ within the hospital and participants receive their results in approximately two weeks. If further follow up is needed, participants are referred by the service to their GP or hospital.”

Dr Stuart Baugh, Clinical Director at Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance, said: “People diagnosed with lung cancer at the earliest stage are nearly 20 times more likely to survive for five years than those whose cancer is caught late.

“The rollout of the NHS Targeted Lung Health Check Programme is a huge step towards achieving our NHS Long Term Plan ambition of catching more cancers at an earlier stage when they are easier to treat.

“The service has already received fantastic feedback from people who have taken part and we look forward to helping even more people as the service continues to move around the city. If you or a member of your family receive a lung health check invitation, don’t ignore it – book your appointment without delay.”

Find out more about lung health checks in Hull at www.lunghealthcheck.org.uk.

May 09
Photo of Helen and her brother at a RideLondon event. Helen is wearing a t-shirt and has short blond hair. She is wearing sunglasses. Her brother is wearing a cycling top and helmet.

Living with Ovarian Cancer: Helen’s story

By Personalised Care

Helen Heagren, from Grimsby, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2016. Six years later, she is living with cancer and has shared her story in the hope that it will help others to become aware of the symptoms and know that support is available.

In 2015, Helen was living in Essex and worked as a Teaching Assistant. In the run up to her 50th birthday, she noticed her weight had ‘crept up’ and decided she was going to fit and drop a few dress sizes.

“Having set myself target of becoming a size 12, I joined a local gym and took part in dance and aerobic classes most days. After 10 months, I managed to reach my weight loss target however, I still had a little belly so I decided to keep going.

“One Saturday morning, whilst doing pelvic exercises, I felt something strange move and it played on my mind after the class, although I can’t really say why. I decided to contact my GP and an appointment was made for three weeks later.

A photo of Helen's stomach which she describes as looking pregnant at the time of the photo.

“Whilst waiting for my appointment, I noticed my belly had started to expand and it looked like I was pregnant. Although pregnancy tests were saying I wasn’t, a concerned colleague who had also noticed that my belly was expanding quickly, advised me to see a GP urgently.

“I walked into the GP Surgery on 24th November 2015.  My GP examined me and thought I had Ovarian cysts. She arranged for me to have an ultrasound for the following morning at my local hospital.

“The next few weeks flew by with appointments, scans and a biopsy. Nine litres of fluid were removed but it quickly built up again and I was taken into hospital on New Year’s Eve in 2015 to have another eight litres drained. They then fitted a permanent drainage bag and at this point the word cancer had not been mentioned at all.

“In early January 2016, when all my results were back, myself and my husband were called to have a meeting with an Oncologist. There was also a nurse in the room who introduced herself as Tina. It was then I was told I’d been diagnosed with Stage 4 ovarian cancer. Wow. My emotions were all over the place. Cancer? Really? How? Why? Ovarian Cancer? Why don’t I know about this? What are and were the symptoms? I don’t feel ill. What is stage 4? Am I going to die? No one in my family has had cancer. Are they sure? So many questions.”

Helen’s Oncologist explained the options available, including information about trials. Helen accepted a clinical trial for a new drug call Avastin, which had shown good results in other cancers, and also started chemotherapy in February 2016.

“I have so many funny stories from the chemo room. I did try to be good but things just went wrong. For example, in my first session, I sat next to a lovely old man who was receiving treatment for throat cancer.

Picture of Helen in a hospital gown with no hair smiling and eating

“I needed the toilet, so I unplugged my chemo stand on wheels and off I went. People around me started shouting “stop”,” look!” and I was mortified to see I had unplugged the wrong stand and was bringing the elderly man with me! Gosh, he and his wife did laugh and all the nurses came running.

“After three chemotherapy sessions, I went to a hospital in London for a full hysterectomy. The surgeon who carried out the operation spotted that it had spread to my bowel and other areas, so I had a stoma fitted. In total my surgery was 9 hours. I still have the stoma bag today and know now that this can happen with ovarian cancer.

“After my surgery, when I was fit enough, I went back to chemo and Avastin. I was also offered a genetic test which proved to be positive for the BRCA 1 gene. The enabled my mum, siblings, and son to be tested to see if anyone else had the gene. That was the scariest time.”

Helen was advised by her Clinical Nurse Specialist to look up some Ovarian cancer online charity groups and after looking at a few websites, Helen decided Target Ovarian Cancer was best for her.

“Their website was what I was looking for. I could find information about research and trials, and there was a nurse on hand that you could phone. In lockdown, they did some fabulous zoom seminars with clinicians that covered so many topics on ovarian cancer. There was also an online chat group which was full of valuable information and helped me to meet some ladies locally that I now catch up with over coffee and cake.

“There were also things I could involve myself in to help raise awareness and, as a person who has ovaries but who didn’t know much about the disease before my diagnosis, that is what I chose to do.

“As part of one of Target Ovarian’s awareness campaigns, I was lucky enough and honoured to be invited to Westminster to speak in Parliament. I also joined in with Target Ovarian‘s annual awareness walk at the Olympic Park and had fabulous fun with some amazing people and families.

“My family and friends have also helped to raise awareness for the charity. My brother is a keen cyclist and managed to get a charity place for RideLondon, so he can proudly say he’s ridden the Olympic 2012 course twice now. My friend’s husband completed it too, which allowed him to tick off a bucket list challenge whilst raising much needed funds and awareness for the charity.”

A photo of Helen speaking at a Target Ovarian event.
Photo of Helen and her brother at a RideLondon event. Helen is wearing a t-shirt and has short blond hair. She is wearing sunglasses. Her brother is wearing a cycling top and helmet.
A photo of a Target Ovarian Cancer digital billboard which includes a picture of Helen. The billboard reads '11 women die every day from ovarian cancer. It's time to take ovar.

Helen is now in her sixth year of living with ovarian cancer and hopes to help people talk about their ovaries more freely.

“The thing with ovarian cancer is that it doesn’t care who you are. It was always thought of an ‘older ladies’ cancer but it really doesn’t care what age you are.

“If your ovaries work then you should know the symptoms: bloating, needing to wee more, difficulty eating a full meal, feeling full, persistent pelvic or abdominal pain. I also suffered with backache.

“I have been amazed by the lack of education on ovarian cancer, especially about cervical screening not detecting ovarian cysts of cancer. I think there is a lot of misinformation about this and it’s important to know that cervical screening does not detect ovarian cysts or cancer. It would be great if they included information about this, and the symptoms of ovarian cancer, when giving talks about puberty to people in older years at schools.

“I’m currently having my fourth cycle of chemotherapy. I’m incurable and on maintenance treatment, which is keeping the Cancer at bay. I also have regular scans which gives my peace of mind that I know what it’s up to.

New treatments and drugs are being developed and evolving all the time. Some will suit and some won’t, so we need to find the one that does. Walking and climbing the stairs affects me getting out of breath but I do everything in my own time.

I am getting on with my life, especially after Covid-19 put a halt to things I had wanted or planned to do. I’ve resumed going to the Theatre in the West End and enjoy watching touring bands and musicals in Hull and Grimsby. I now meet friends for brunch, and I’ve been on the back of my friend’s Harley Davidson, which I wanted to do.

Headshot photo of Helen and her husband. They are both looking at the camera and smiling.

I hate heights but was challenged to walk over the O2 with a friend. It took a while, and the guide put us at the back which was hilarious, but we did it.

I’ve also joined groups locally recommended by St Andrews Hospice and Macmillan and I’m really enjoying meeting the different characters. It’s not morbid as I thought and they are a positive bunch, like me. We chat about anything and have fun. We do have a moan too, but that’s life isn’t it.

So, I’m still living my life. I just carry extra baggage. My message to anyone with ovaries is this:

  • Know the symptoms and look out for each other. You are not alone.
  • Know your bodies and see your GP at the earliest opportunity if you think something isn’t right. I am only here because I followed my instinct.
  • GPs have had extra training on Ovarian Cancer and spotting signs and symptoms, but if you are not happy with their explanation or diagnosis, don’t give up! Keep going back and be persistent.
  • Ovarian Cancer is a tricky one and clever but like all cancers, early diagnosis is key for survival.
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