News and announcements from across the Humber, Coast and Vale region.
Click here to read the latest edition of Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance’s stakeholder newsletter.
This edition includes updates on:
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
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
Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance staff have completed an ambitious challenge to collectively walk, run, swim or cycle 75,000km during the NHS’s 75th birthday year.
To celebrate the incredible achievement – and the 76th birthday of the NHS – members of the team took part in a very wet and windy walk across the length of the Humber Bridge and back on Tuesday 9th July 2024.
There was more than a fair share of rain on the victory parade, but spirits remained high, and there was a stop for cake and coffee halfway through.
The starting pistol of the 75,000k Challenge was fired at Health House in Willerby on Tuesday 4th July 2023. The team used a treadmill and exercise bike in a race against time to clock up a total of 75km in 7.5 hours. They smashed their target in the allotted time, totting up an impressive 183.04km – three times the length of the entire North Yorkshire coastline. The event raised £135 for NHS Charities Together.
Throughout the year, members of the team recorded their Strava results and used their smartphones to track their progress with a Totaliser in Health House. Many in the team are parkrun regulars, which helped hugely, but everyone played their part.
Other special events incorporated into the 75,000km Challenge included Cancer Alliance staff taking part in the Cancer Research UK Shine Night Walk in York on Saturday 30th September 2023. Undaunted by the elements, members of the team walked 10km around the city in the rain, dressed in illuminous outfits, and raised £630 for Cancer Research UK.
The Cancer Alliance achieved its goal ahead of the one-year target. After adding up the team’s kms for week commencing 17th June, their total reached 75,750kms.
Dr Kartikae Grover, Clinical Director of Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance, said: “The Cancer Alliance has done remarkably well to achieve 75,000kms in under a year. And in doing so, the team has also highlighted the benefits of maintaining an active lifestyle.
“Whether it’s walking, swimming, cycling, or running, regular exercise can help people to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. That can also lower the risks of 13 different types of cancer, and evidence shows that plenty of exercise can help reduce the risk of bowel and breast cancer in particular.
“People who are living with cancer can also gain positive benefits from taking part in physical activities. They may have fewer side effects and might even recover from the disease quicker. And many forms of exercise bring opportunities to socialise and learn new skills.”
Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance has funded a new short film which highlights the experiences of people with a cancer diagnosis.
KPOW! (Know the Power of Words) shines a light on the importance of language used by clinicians during diagnosis and treatment.
The film, which the Cancer Alliance co-funded with Macmillan Cancer Support, received its premiere at Hull Truck Theatre on Monday 8th July. After the showing, members of the cast and crew took part in a Q & A session with the attendees.
You can now view KPOW! on the Cancer Alliance’s YouTube channel, here.
KPOW! co-stars and was written by North Yorkshire playwright Libby Pearson. In the film, Libby is one of four friends openly discussing experiences of cancer, and how the way medical and nursing staff spoke and acted towards them during their treatment and care had consequences on their emotions.
The film also stars Allyson Kent, a former NHS worker, who lives in the East Riding of Yorkshire. Allyson was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019 and ovarian cancer in 2020 and is now a Cancer Alliance patient representative.
In KPOW!, Libby, Allyson, Hannah Coysh and Rosie Hamblyn talk about their hope that negative statements can be reconsidered and reframed to be more sensitive and positive.
Even common words such as “but”, “however”, “until” and “yet” can affect patients living with cancer. Libby, InkBlot Films and the cast hope that their film can inspire clinicians to take the time to consider how their words and actions can leave a lasting, negative impression on their patients.
The four friends in KPOW! have all been affected by cancer in different ways. Libby lost her father to cancer, Allyson is living with cancer and is a patient representative for the Cancer Alliance, Hannah is a Macmillan doctor, and Rosie is a cancer survivor.
As they chat about their feelings, they all reveal a shared desire for words to be delivered with kindness and compassion, using clear explanations and active language, with eye contact.
KPOW! combines humour and poignancy to deliver a very potent message of the need for understanding and respect when living with cancer.
The film was originally conceived and commissioned as a play by Libby, specially written for a Living with and Beyond Cancer conference organised and facilitated by Macmillan GPs Dr Hannah Coysh and Dr Kate Thomas in June 2023. Although visually different, the concept of the film, directed by Jay Sillence of InkBlot FIlms, remains the same.
Libby said: “As a theatre-maker specialising in issue-based work – particularly around health and equality – I believe theatre and film are such strong tools in helping people reflect on their own beliefs and behaviour. They can make a huge impact and effect positive change.
“Making a film was new to almost everyone in the room and the nerves were palpable, but Jay and his team helped transform those nerves into a positive energy that really comes through in the film. Even though the day was long and very tiring, we’d have done it all again the next day.
“The scenes with Allyson running were fabulous. I scouted the locations and everywhere I turned was a flooded road or a boggy field. Ally and Jay had to negotiate sheep, bogs and tooting cars, but the results are great. Jay, like Ginger Rogers, had to do everything Ally did, but backwards, without the heels!
“I am hoping that anyone who sees the film, be they health professionals in any role, or those supporting people living with cancer, will consider what they say and how they say it. Think about the impact of words, and truly put the patient at the centre of the conversation.”
Allyson added: “I worked in the NHS for the whole of my career and am now experiencing life as a patient. Having a cancer diagnosis is life-changing at every level, and words matter. They can give hope or cause real harm. I will never forget those words used that day, and how they made me feel. I am much more sensitive to the words people use now.
“Normally I’m a very private person, but I want to share my story to make people think about the language they use or how a lack of words impact on patients.”
On the making of the film, Allyson said: “What an experience! So much behind the scenes work… lighting… fluffing words! The fun of creating something together was an amazing experience and we laughed so much, even though it was a long, long day and we were tired, but we didn’t stop, we didn’t give in.
“It was an emotional day for me as this is real, this was my story, but I am so proud of what we have achieved.”
Lucy Turner, Managing Director of Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance, said: “We are so proud of Libby’s film, the cast’s performances and Jay’s hard work in making KPOW! The subject matter is very close to our hearts, and we are thrilled that we’ve played a part in the process of highlighting this important issue.
We hope medical and nursing staff will take on board the words used by Libby, Allyson, Hannah and Rosie, and consider how important the language and actions they use with cancer patients are. They can stay with a patient forever.”
KPOW! (Know the Power of Words) is now available on the Cancer Alliance YouTube channel, here. Please share across your network, particularly with frontline staff who have clinical and non-clinical contact with patients, including:
Email: [email protected]
Address: Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance, Health House, Grange Park Lane, Willerby, Hull HU10 6DT
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