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News and announcements from across the Humber, Coast and Vale region.

Jul 11

Cancer Alliance drenched in success at the end of NHS 75,000km Challenge

By Announcements

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.”

Jul 09

Cancer Alliance and Macmillan Cancer Support present KPOW! (Know the Power of Words)

By Announcements, Stakeholder Updates, Treatment and Pathways

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:

  • doctors
  • nurses
  • paramedics
  • social workers
  • care workers
Jun 26

Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance launches Excellence in Cancer Awards 2024

By Announcements

Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance is pleased to launch its inaugural annual Excellence in Cancer awards.

The awards have been created 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.

Whether they work in clinical or non-clinical roles, the Cancer Alliance wants to recognise those people responsible for outstanding work to improve lives and treatment for people with cancer in Humber and North Yorkshire.

The award categories are:

Quality Improvement and Innovation: Do you know any individuals, teams or projects which have used innovation to deliver improvements to existing cancer services which have had a positive impact on patient care? If so, please consider nominating them for the Quality Improvement and Innovation award.

Clinical Leadership: This award recognises clinical leaders who have demonstrated system collaboration to improve care for cancer patients. If you know of anyone who meets this criteria, please consider nominating them for the Clinical Leadership award.

Championing the Patient Voice: Do you know of any individuals, teams or projects which have championed the patient voice by involving patients in their work and used their views to improve experiences for patients, particularly in those communities experiencing the greatest health inequalities? If so, please considering nominating them for the Championing the Patient Voice award.

Going the Extra Mile: This award aims to recognise the unsung heroes – those who go above and beyond in the interest of providing the best possible care for cancer patients – showing resilience, compassion, adaptability or any other favourable quality in the process. If you know of any individuals or teams who fit this bill, please consider nominating them for the Going the Extra Mile award.

Lucy Turner, Managing Director, Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance, said: “The Cancer Alliance is delighted to announce launch of our first ever annual awards to recognise the hard-working, innovative, resourceful and resilient colleagues working across cancer services in Humber and North Yorkshire.

“If you know of anyone working in cancer services in Humber and North Yorkshire who consistently goes above and beyond to deliver exceptional care for patients, please consider nominating them for one or more of the awards.”

Deadline for submitting your nomination is 5pm, Friday 9 August. Any submitted entries after this deadline will not be considered.

A panel of judges will consider each nomination and the 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.

You can submit your nominations by clicking here: https://humbernorthyorkshire.engage-360.co.uk/surveys/144

Rules for entry

  • Self-nominations are not permitted. If you are submitting a nomination it has to be for someone else.
  • Those making nominations are required to complete the nomination form in its entirety, including the rationale for their nomination.
  • In order to be considered, nominees need to make themselves free to attend the awards ceremony at the Cancer Alliance’s annual conference at Lakeside Conference Centre (York Biotech Campus) on Thursday, 19 September.
  • The panel’s decision is final.

For further information please contact the HNY Cancer Alliance communications and engagement team: [email protected]

Jun 26

Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance expands Patient and Public Representative Group

By Announcements, Involvement Opportunities

Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance is actively recruiting people with lived experience of cancer to join its expanding Patient and Public Representative Group. Lived experience could mean either as a patient or the carer of someone with a cancer diagnosis.

As a Patient or Public Representative, you will have the opportunity to share your experience of cancer to help improve cancer services across Humber and North Yorkshire. Your main role would be to use your knowledge and experience to give feedback on, and advise about, the impact on patients of work developed and undertaken by the Cancer Alliance.

You will be in a unique position, acting as a critical friend to the Cancer Alliance, by using your voice to challenge the approach and thinking of those making decisions in an appropriate manner, remaining respectful and open to a wide range of opinions and thought processes.

To find out more about the opportunity, visit the Cancer Alliance website and download a recruitment pack. To apply, please complete an expression of interest.

May 22

Cancer Alliance 23/24 annual report published

By Announcements, Stakeholder Updates

Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance is pleased to announce the publication of its 23/24 annual report.

This edition is the Cancer Alliance’s biggest annual report yet – a reflection of the plethora of work which has been carried out during the past 12 months to transform the diagnosis, treatment and care for cancer patients in Humber and North Yorkshire.

Click here to read the report, which captures the Cancer Alliance’s work throughout the year in line with the requirements of the NHS Long Term Plan.

May 16

Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance applauds Tobacco and Vapes Bill ahead of third reading

By Announcements

Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance stands in support of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill as it clears committee stage and moves towards its third reading.

The bill, which passed its second reading on 16 April 2024, is a crucial step towards reducing cancer rates for future generations. As advocates for public health and cancer prevention, the Cancer Alliance commends the Government’s commitment to tackling the root causes of cancer, particularly the devastating impact of smoking.

Smoking remains one of the leading preventable causes of cancer, contributing to a significant portion of cancer cases and deaths in our region. Up to two-in-three long-term smokers are expected to die from a smoking-related disease[1].

Smoking is also the single biggest avoidable risk factor for cancer. Tobacco smoke is estimated to be responsible for nearly one fifth (64,500) of all new cancer cases a year and causes 27% of all cancer deaths in the UK. The most recent statistics for the UK show that 19% of all cancers are linked to tobacco smoke exposure.

Stephen Eames, Chief Executive of NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: “The case for action on smoking is clear. We must do more to prevent ill health in the first place, not just treat it afterwards. This is why our partnership in Humber and North Yorkshire has set up a ground-breaking Centre of Excellence in Tobacco Control. Smoking is the single biggest cause of preventable illness and death in our region, costing our area £464.9 million a year with £57.2 million in health care costs alone[2].

“Cancer is one of the ICB’s top four priorities and affects a significant proportion of our population. As a system, we are working together continuously to improve diagnosis, treatment and awareness. Public health legislation, such as the Tobacco and Vapes bill, will have a profound effect on our work in this area in the years to follow”

The Tobacco and Nicotine Bill represents a watershed moment in the collective fight against cancer. By implementing stricter regulations on tobacco, this legislation will save lives and spare many families from the anguish of losing loved ones to this preventable disease.

Mr Kartikae Grover, Clinical Director of Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance, emphasised the significance of the legislative milestone, stating: “The Tobacco and Nicotine Bill marks a historic moment in our efforts to combat cancer. By reducing access to harmful tobacco products and promoting healthier alternatives, we are paving the way for a future where cancer rates decline and communities thrive.

Lucy Turner, Managing Director of the Cancer Alliance, added: “As advocates for cancer prevention, we applaud this action to prioritise public health. This bill sends a clear message that protecting our population from the harms of smoking is a top priority, and we stand ready to support its swift passage into law.

“Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance remains steadfast in our commitment to advancing policies and initiatives that promote cancer prevention and improve outcomes for patients and families across our region. Together, let us continue working towards a future where cancer is no longer a threat to our communities.”

Scott Crosby, Associate Director of the Centre of Excellence for Tobacco Control at NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership said: “The third reading marks another crucial step in consigning smoking to history. As the Tobacco and Vapes Bill progresses to the third stage and then the House of Lords, let us expedite its passage before the general election. The overwhelming public support demands nothing less.”

NHS England » Tobacco dependency programme

[2] https://ash.org.uk/uploads/Smoking-and-Cancer-Fact-Sheet.pdf?v=1692800564

 

Apr 09

Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance launches the Cancer Innovation Grants 2024/25

By Announcements, Cancer Diagnosis and Innovations

If you have an innovative project that promotes early cancer diagnosis, treatment, recovery and/or patient experience in the Humber and North Yorkshire area, the Cancer Alliance could help you with the funding.

The Cancer Alliance, in collaboration with Health Innovation Network Yorkshire & Humber and the Innovation Research and Improvement System, is proud to announce the launch of the Cancer Innovation Grants 2024/25.

“This is an excellent opportunity to develop our local culture of innovation through adopting and developing new ideas, which have a positive impact on patient experience and outcomes and the local cancer system,” said Kartikae Grover, Clinical Director, Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance.

The Cancer Innovation Grants form part of the Cancer Alliance’s aim to build a culture of cutting-edge cancer innovations, in line with the NHS Long Term Plan.

From small, grass-roots projects, to larger-scale innovation schemes, the Cancer Alliance is encouraging the development or adoption of innovative approaches to cancer that target local priorities for improvement, with a focus on (but not exclusive to) tumour sites with the highest volume of late stage diagnosis:

  • Oesophageal
  • Lung
  • Pancreatic
  • Colon
  • Rectum
  • Non-hodgkin’s lymphoma
  • Prostate

Who can apply for a Cancer Innovation Grant? 

The Cancer Alliance welcomes applications from:

  • Primary and secondary care organisations
  • Patients
  • Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs)
  • Wider system stakeholders – e.g. social care organisations

Collaboration is encouraged across organisations and sectors.

What kind of projects will the Cancer Alliance fund?

The Cancer Alliance is looking for newly identified innovations, as well as projects that adopt innovation ideas that have been proven a success elsewhere. Some examples include:

  • Adopting technology or a workforce to implement or embed new ways of reducing demand on diagnostic services
  • Developing patient education solutions, particularly those designed to address health inequalities
  • Initiatives to support increase in uptake of cancer screening programmes, with a focus on specific groups where screening uptake is low

What kind of projects will not receive funding?

Cancer Innovation Grants will not be awarded to support current standards and processes in cancer care – e.g. posts and activities that are part of core services and staffing, such as clinical nurse specialists.

The Cancer Alliance is not able to fund research or projects that require capital funding.

Grants timeline:

  • Applications Open – w/c 8 April 2024
  • Applications Close – 5pm, 31 May 2024.
  • Notification of Grant Award – 21 June 2024

What level of funding is available?

Individual grants will be funded to a maximum of £50,000 and applications to support community-based projects are also welcome at a minimum of £1,000.

How do I apply?

Find out more information on the Cancer Alliance website.

You can view and download the Cancer Innovation Grants Guidance and Application form or contact the Cancer Alliance Diagnostics and Innovation Team at [email protected].

Apr 01

“Take the two-minute test on the toilet and don’t flush away your chance of early detection.”

By Announcements, Awareness and Early Diagnosis

People aged between 60 and 74 are being urged to complete a home testing kit that can detect signs of bowel cancer, as part of Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance’s #flushawaybowelcancer campaign.

April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month and the Cancer Alliance is carrying out a wide range of activities to raise awareness of bowel cancer symptoms and encourage more people to complete the Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) throughout the month.

Activities include:

  • Parkruns – members of the Cancer Alliance and partners wearing fancy dress, including fake bums, in York, Beverley, Hull and Cleethorpes
  • Cancer Champions – Bite-sized online bowel cancer awareness sessions
  • Community events – Awareness activity sessions at leisure centres, supermarkets and other community spaces
  • Teaming up with partners – Including Bowel Cancer UK’s Bowel Cancer Awareness Roadshow, visiting Hull 16-18 April, and events with Care Plus Group throughout Grimsby

Click here for information on all the activity near you.

Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK, killing more than 16,800 people every year. However, this type of cancer is curable, especially if diagnosed early, when you are up to nine times more likely to be successfully treated. Nearly everyone survives bowel cancer if diagnosed at the earliest stage. However, this drops significantly as the disease develops.

Andy, 68, raising awareness of the importance of early detection, after his FIT result detected abnormalities.

Screening is one of the best ways to detect bowel cancer early, and Andy Thompson, 68, from Anlaby, East Yorkshire, is keen to raise awareness of the importance of early detection, after his FIT result detected abnormalities which could have developed into cancer.

He said: “To anyone who receives a FIT in the post and is feeling squeamish, I would tell them about my experience compared with a relative of mine. The test isn’t as gruesome as some might think. It only takes a couple of minutes to complete. It probably takes longer to write out your details and return in the post.

“My result came back abnormal, so I had to have further investigations. Fortunately, all they found were polyps, which can become cancerous, so I had them all removed.

“We’re really lucky to get the FIT screening kit for free in the post. For a few minutes of unpleasantness, it can help you detect bowel cancer, or, in my case, help stop you getting it in the first place. Don’t flush away that chance, flush away bowel cancer instead!”

About five years previous, a close relative of Andy’s received a FIT in the post, put it away and forgot about it. A few months later, he was in a lot of pain, and showing symptoms of bowel cancer. Six to eight months after not doing the FIT, he was diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer.

If you are sent a FIT kit, you can complete the test in your own bathroom, next time you poo. Simply follow the step-by-step instructions to:

  • collect one tiny sample of poo, using the plastic stick
  • pop it in the sample bottle
  • post it for free to be tested

The test works by checking for tiny traces of blood – not always visible to the naked eye. If something is found, you will be invited for further tests, usually at a hospital.

Dr Dan Cottingham, Cancer Research UK GP Lead for Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance, said: “Nine out of 10 new cases of bowel cancer are diagnosed in people over the age of 50, and the earlier it’s treated, the more likely you are to be treated successfully. That’s why it’s so important you don’t ignore the FIT kit when it arrives in the post.

“Don’t flush away that chance of early detection – it’s the most important job you can do for your loved ones.”

Early detection increases your chance of surviving bowel cancer, so knowing what symptoms to look out for is important.

Contact your GP if you have any of these bowel cancer symptoms:

  • changes in your poo, such as having softer poo, diarrhoea or constipation
  • needing to poo more or less often than usual
  • red or black blood in your poo
  • bleeding from your bottom
  • often feeling like you need to poo, even if you’ve just had one
  • tummy pain
  • a lump in your tummy
  • bloating
  • losing weight without trying
  • feeling very tired

Bowel cancer awareness will be spread across the Cancer Alliance’s social media channels too, using the hashtag #flushawaybowelcancer. 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 bowel cancer, visit the Cancer Alliance website to be signposted to local bowel cancer support groups.

Visit the Cancer Alliance’s Bowel Cancer Awareness Month webpage to find out more.

Mar 21

Cancer Alliance stakeholder newsletter – March 2024

By Announcements

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

This edition includes updates on:

  • KPOW! (Know the Power of Words) a Cancer Alliance-funded film
  • Cancer Champions training provided to asylum seekers
  • NHS Targeted Lung Health Check Withernsea unit visit from East Riding MP
  • The Cancer Alliance’s Health Inequalities Strategy
  • And much, much more!
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