People in Humber and North Yorkshire who have had a cough for three weeks or more are being encouraged to contact their GP practice and come forward for lifesaving checks as part of an NHS campaign.
The ‘Help Us, Help You’ campaign from NHS England uses TV, radio and online adverts, and social media to increase knowledge of the key symptom of lung cancer.
The ads feature people with a persistent cough and aim to encourage people experiencing this to contact their GP practice.
One of the campaign ads that is raising awareness of early signs of lung cancer
NHS data shows that more than 4,258 people in Humber and North Yorkshire are diagnosed with lung cancer each year.
Dr Dan Cottingham, Cancer Research UK GP Lead for Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance, said: “A cough is a common symptom for many things, but when you have a cough that doesn’t go away after three weeks or more, it could be a sign of cancer.
“This campaign aims to remind people with a long standing cough and their loved ones not to be complacent, and encourages them t o get checked out. It’s likely nothing to be too worried about, but if it does turn out to be cancer the earlier it is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat.
“Whenever anyone notices anything unusual for their bodies that they are worried could be cancer, it’s vital that they take action by contacting their GP practice.”
In addition to the symptom of a cough for three weeks or more, other symptoms of lung cancer include:
• Chest infections that keep coming back
• Coughing up blood
• A long standing cough that gets worse
• An ache or pain when breathing or coughing
• Persistent breathlessness
• Persistent tiredness or lack of energy
• Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss
Cancer Alliance is encouraging earlier diagnosis of cancer, as it tours Humber and North Yorkshire urging people aged 50 and over to be more body vigilant.
Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance welcomes the publication of the 2022 Cancer Patient Experience Survey (CPES) results.
Now in its 14th year, the CPES results help organisations that commission and provide cancer services to understand what aspects of cancer services are working well and identify areas for improvement.
The NHS survey asks questions such as how and when the cancer was diagnosed, how involved patients felt in decisions about their care and treatment and how much information and support they were given.
The 2022 CPES survey was completed by 1,994 patients in Humber and North Yorkshire, equating to a response rate of 57%. Nationally, the survey was completed by 61,268 people (53% response rate).
The Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance-area CPES results can be viewed here.
The areas for improvement identified in the 2022 survey across the Humber and North Yorkshire area include:
Ensuring patients have a main point of contact within care teams
Explaining a cancer diagnosis in a way that patients can completely understand
CPES results are available at trust, Integrated Care System, Cancer Alliance and national level. They can be viewed here.
Lucy Turner, Managing Director, Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance, said: “Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance welcomes the results of the 2022 national Cancer Patient Experience Survey. There are some encouraging results for our region and also results which identify areas of cancer care which we can improve upon.
“Once the results have been analysed, we will work with our Cancer Alliance partner organisations, including hospital trusts which provide cancer services in our region, to co-develop and implement improvement plans based on the results of this year’s survey.”
Find out more about the survey by visiting the CPES website.
Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance welcomes the Department of Health and Social Care announcement (Monday, 26th June 2023) that a national targeted lung cancer screening programme will be introduced in the coming years, following the successful delivery of the NHS Targeted Lung Health Check Programme in some parts of the country in recent years.
In Humber and North Yorkshire, the NHS Targeted Lung Health Check Programme has already been established in Hull (early 2020) and North East Lincolnshire (early 2023). There are plans to introduce the service in North Lincolnshire in early 2024 and it is expected that the service will be available in all parts of our region by 2028/29.
Lung cancer prevention is one of the Cancer Alliance’s top priorities – as we have several areas in our region where smoking prevalence is well above the national average. Early detection of lung cancer is key – because often lung cancer is symptomless until it is at an advanced stage.
Click here to view the Department for Health and Social Care’s announcement.
Funding has been secured for a new £19.4 million Community Diagnostic Centre to be built in Scunthorpe Town Centre.
The centre – which is due to begin offering some services to the public this winter – will be a one-stop-shop for health checks, scans, and tests, providing you with access to a range of diagnostic tests closer to home, reducing the need to come into hospital and reducing waiting times.
Chief Executive of Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust, Peter Reading, said: “Our priority will always be to provide our patients with excellent standards of care – and we believe that moving some of our diagnostic services out into the community will allow us to do that.
“I’m delighted to say that we have been successful in bidding for £19.4 million from the national funding Community Diagnostic Centre programme to fund the scheme and have submitted a planning application to create a bespoke hub, off Lindum Street – right in the heart of Scunthorpe town centre.
“Our plans are at a very early stage but, should our planning application be successful, we will work with our partners in Primary Care, Community healthcare and North Lincolnshire Council to build the new facility, where we will be able to offer patients tests for a range of conditions, such as cancer, heart and lung disease – including X-Rays, MRI, ultrasound, and CT scans.”
Patients will be referred to the centre by their GP or consultant, and it will operate in parallel to our diagnostic departments at Scunthorpe General for inpatients and those requiring emergency care.
This will allow us to conduct an estimated 146,000 additional checks every year, enabling us to see more patients, more quickly, reducing waiting times and helping you to access the care you need in a more timely way.
This is not only more convenient for patients but is also more efficient for staff and frees up clinician time to help further cut the waiting lists.
Alex Seale, North Lincolnshire Place Director, NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, said: “One of the biggest potential benefits to you as patients would be that you’d no longer need to come onto our busy hospital site in order to have these tests carried out. Instead, you’ll be able to go to the town centre, where parking is plentiful and there are excellent public transport links. This also has the added benefit of freeing up parking for those who do need to come to the hospital.
“There are also infection control benefits, as reducing the number of people coming to our acute hospital sites naturally reduces the risk of spreading infections.
“We are very excited about the plans and the benefits they could bring to you, and we look forward to hearing whether our application has been successful.”
Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, Councillor Rob Waltham, added: “This is great news for North Lincolnshire residents and another positive note for the High Street with more Government cash backing the plans to build a new future.
“This new health centre will have a massive impact on residents’ access to critical health services, further improving health and wellbeing for thousands of people.
“It is also further good news for the town centre in Scunthorpe – a major investment, backed by government, which will drive more people into the town centre for more reasons.”
The funding for the scheme was announced today by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Steve Barclay, who also revealed funding had been granted for a further five Community Diagnostic Hubs across the country.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:“I have pledged to cut waiting lists and these new Community Diagnostic Centres will do exactly that. By offering checks, tests and scans closer to home, we can speed up the diagnosis of illnesses like cancer and heart disease and ensure patients get their treatment quickly.
“These centres revolutionise the way the NHS delivers care and crucially, they are saving lives.”
Mr Barclay added: “Based in the heart of communities, they are making it easier for people to access life-saving checks and cutting out unnecessary hospital visits.
“They have already made a huge difference, delivering nearly four million tests, checks and scans since the programme started in July 2021, helping to deliver on the government’s commitment to cut waiting lists.”
Dr Vin Diwakar, NHS Medical Director for Transformation, said:
“The NHS delivered a record 2.3 million diagnostic tests in March, up more than 128,000 on the previous monthly record, thanks to the hard work and dedication of our staff.
“These new CDCs will continue to increase access to care by providing vital scans, X-rays, endoscopies and blood tests closer to patients’ homes, building on the progress we have already made to drive down the longest waits and diagnose cancer earlier.”
Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance is pleased to announce the appointment of Kartikae Grover as its new Clinical Director.
Kartikae will play a key role in bringing together the different organisations which provide cancer services in Humber and North Yorkshire to work collectively to improve cancer outcomes for the people living in the region.
Kartikae, Associate Chief Medical Officer (Quality and Safety) and a Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon at Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, succeeds Dr Stuart Baugh who has served as the Cancer Alliance’s Clinical Director for several years.
He will officially join the Cancer Alliance role in June and will combine this role while continuing to work in his various positions at Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
Kartikae joined Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust in 2011. He has played a pivotal role in establishing the trust’s health inequalities steering group, and has held a number of senior positions, including Clinical Information Officer, Governance Lead and Clinical Lead of the breast service. Kartikae was also chair of the Humber and Yorkshire Coast Cancer Network’s Breast Clinical Experts Group between 2012 and 2014.
Commenting on Kartikae’s appointment, Lucy Turner, Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance Managing Director, said: “I am delighted to announce the appointment of Kartikae as our new Clinical Director. Kartikae is passionate about cancer services, improving patient experience and outcomes and recognises the benefits of innovation and collaborative working.
“I want to place on record my sincere thanks to Stuart Baugh for his contribution to the Cancer Alliance over the last five years. He has played a significant role in driving and delivering key programmes such as the NHS Targeted Lung Health Checks in Humber and North Yorkshire.”
Kartikae said: “I am honoured to be joining the Cancer Alliance as Clinical Director. I am looking forward to commencing in this leadership role very soon and working with partners across the region to further develop cancer services which deliver the best possible treatments and care for patients.”
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and as the weather across the UK heats up, Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance has joined forces with Macmillan, SKCIN and MKM Building Supplies to raise awareness of skin cancer and the importance of those working outdoors protecting themselves.
Skin cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the UK with over 220,000 cases diagnosed annually and that number continues to rise. Outdoor workers receive five to 10 times more sun exposure and as a result are, on average at 60% greater risk of developing skin cancer. However, with simple precautions such as covering up with clothing and wearing sunscreen, this risk can be significantly reduced.
Throughout May, Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance, Macmillan and SKCIN, will be hosting skin cancer awareness information stalls in several MKM Building Supplies stores to raise awareness of the importance of outdoor workers protecting themselves, as well as what to look for when it comes to skin cancer signs and symptoms.
Dr Dan Cottingham, Cancer Research UK GP Lead, Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance, said: “You don’t have to be exposed to the sun for lengthy periods and it doesn’t have to be a clear and sunny day for the sun’s rays to damage your skin. Construction workers face all kinds of weather and just like they would don their high viz, waterproof jackets to protect themselves from the elements in winter, it’s equally important that they protect themselves from the harmful and powerful UV rays of the sun.”
Heather Lysiak, Macmillan Engagement Lead for Humber and North Yorkshire, added: “Over 90% of skin cancers are preventable by adopting protective approaches to sun exposure. This is why we are working together to raise awareness to those working in the outdoor industry.
“Outdoor workers are out in the elements year-round and need to be aware of the risk and the steps they can take to protect themselves. We hope that by taking the information direct to the workforce we can help encourage people to make simple changes that might just save their lives.”
“Rachel Constable Head of Environment, Social and Governance at MKM said: “When we were approached to work with Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance, we immediately took the opportunity. Learning how much more at risk those working outdoors are of skin cancer was staggering, and we knew it was important to play a role in educating our teams and customers. We are looking forward to hosting the stalls and hope we can help to make a difference and encourage people to take positive actions to reduce their risks of developing skin cancer.”
SKCIN also offers the national Sun Safe Workplaces accreditation programme. Marie Tudor, CEO said: “Solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is responsible for 90% of all skin cancer cases. This puts outdoor workers in one of the highest risk groups for skin cancer. Employers of outdoor workers have a legal obligation to assess the level of risk imposed to their workers, implement a sun protection policy and provide employees with information, instruction and training.
“Our Sun Safe Workplaces accreditation programme has been specifically developed to provide employers and HSRs with all the tools and resources they need to engage, educate, empower and equip their workers and provide clear evidence of their commitment to addressing these legal obligations.”
However, it’s not just outdoor workers that are at risk of developing skin cancer. Anyone, spending any length of time outdoors needs to understand the risks and how to protect themselves.
When the UV Index reaches three and above, SKCIN recommends the following five S approach to five-star sun protection that should be used in combination to prevent sun damage and reduce the risk of skin cancer.
Slip on clothing – the first line of defence against UV rays
Slop on SPF 30+ UVA sunscreen and reapply every two hours
Slap on a wide brimmed had to protect the scalp and shade the face and neck
Slide on UV protective sunglasses to protect the eyes
Shade – seek shade when possible, particularly between 11am and 3pm when UV is at its strongest.
Even after taking precautions, it’s important to still know your skin and to be able to notice changes as they happen. Skin cancer can look different from one person to another. Dr Cottingham explained: “If you have an area of skin that’s sore, itchy, hurts, bleeds, crusts or scabs for four weeks or more, this could be a sign of skin cancer and it’s important to get this checked by your GP as soon as possible. Other things to look for include any small lumps that look unusual or a change to the size or shape of a mole or freckle.
“I advise checking your skin on a regular basis and if there’s something you’re not sure about, seek advice. It’s always better to be safe and cautious as the earlier cancer is detected the easier it can be to treat.”
As part of Skin Cancer Awareness Month Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance will also be running several online awareness sessions for people to find out more about skin cancer and what to look for. The sessions are free and open to anyone from the Humber and North Yorkshire area. To book a place visit the Cancer Alliance Eventbrite page.
Another handy way of detecting potential abnormalities is to download the SKCIN APP. The app provides users with a wealth of information, images, self-management tools and features to promote both the prevention and early detection of skin cancer, enabling you to confidently take charge of your skin health and surveillance.
Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance is pleased to announce that Stephen Eames CBE has been appointed as its new Chair.
Stephen succeeds Phil Mettam as Chair of the Cancer Alliance, a position he has held since 2019.
Phil has taken up a role to provide support and oversight to the Humber Acute Services Programme and associated developments.
Stephen will officially take up the role from 1st January 2023. He will combine the role while serving as Chief Executive of the Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board.
As Chair, Stephen will oversee the work of the Cancer Alliance and provide leadership on the key issues affecting cancer services in the Humber and North Yorkshire area.
Stephen Eames said: “I am pleased to be joining the Cancer Alliance as Chair. Cancer services in Humber and North Yorkshire are under significant pressure, just as they are elsewhere in the country. I’m looking forward to working with partners within the Cancer Alliance to develop innovative solutions to address these issues.”
Phil Mettam said: “My time as Chair of the Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance has been extremely rewarding. I wish Stephen well in the role and I’m sure he will be an asset to the Cancer Alliance. I would like to thank colleagues within the Cancer Alliance who have work tirelessly to provide the best possible care for cancer patients in what has been extremely challenging circumstances in recent years.”
NHS and care services across Humber and North Yorkshire are under huge pressure – with more than 1,000 people a day attending emergency departments in the region.
This pressure has significantly increased over the last week – especially in hospitals and GP surgeries – and is compounded by rising cases of Covid and flu.
Despite the challenges, frontline staff and organisations across the region are working together, and tirelessly, to give patients the best possible care they can.
Stephen Eames, Chief Executive, Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership (HCP) said: “We are working together, as partners in health and care, across the Humber and North Yorkshire to address some of the key challenges in our system.
“As a partnership we are continuing to prioritise a recruitment drive across health and social care ahead of winter – with the aim of being one workforce.”
As well as boosting our workforce , lower category ambulance calls are being diverted to community services (single point of access) where healthcare professionals can signpost patients to a more convenient service for them, if they do not need to attend hospital.
Stephen Eames said: “Ambulance services across England have been under considerable strain all year and there is no straightforward solution to ease this, but as one measure, additional paramedic staff are being located where they are needed the most to support ambulance crews with patient handover and helping ambulances get away quicker to respond to emergency calls. We also have Hospital and Ambulance Liaison Officers at each hospital helping maintain patient safety standards and again helping with handover times.”
Furthermore, extra discharge rounds have been added in hospitals in a bid to identify more patients who are ready to be discharged home without needing a care package. Mental health support and ‘crisis house’ services have also been bolstered across the region.
“Our GPs and practice nurses are also working incredibly hard to give extended access to patients,” continued Professor Eames. “In fact, we are seeing more primary care appointments available to patients than ever before. A patient that needs to be seen the same day and face-to-face, will be seen that day.
“We continue to see thousands of patients a week across our region book a GP appointment and then not attend and I would urge people to cancel their appointment if it is no longer wanted. That consultation can then be given to a patient who has an urgent need.”
While many patients in hospital are very unwell, health and care services are urging people to seek other health services if their condition is not serious or life threatening:
Stephen Eames added: “We face a vast number of challenges this winter, that threaten to be as great as the challenges of the pandemic. It requires an extraordinary response from all of us in the Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership – working together.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who is involved in our system working long hours, and determinedly, to improve patient care, especially our frontline colleagues, and indeed the public for their understanding at this extremely challenging time.”
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and as the weather across the UK heats up, Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance has joined forces with Macmillan, SKCIN and MKM Building Supplies to raise awareness of skin cancer and the importance of those working outdoors protecting themselves.
