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Cancer Champions

Jun 19

Let’s talk cervical screening: Local hairdressers and beauticians start a new topic of conversation with clients

By Awareness and Early Diagnosis, Cancer Champions, Uncategorised

If you ask someone what they talk to their hairdresser or beautician about, you might expect answers such as social events, holiday plans, and family updates. However, several salons in the Humber and North Yorkshire region will be adding cervical screening to their topics of conversation from this week.

Monday, 19th June 2023 marks the start of Cervical Screening Awareness Week and Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance is working with hairdressers and beauticians from areas with the some of the lowest rates of uptake, to help encourage more women and people with a cervix (aged from 25 to 64) to book their cervical screening appointment.

With almost one in three people not booking their cervical screening appointment, Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance has equipped local hairdressers and beauticians with the information needed to talk about the benefits of cervical screening, and breakdown any barriers that may prevent someone from booking an appointment.

Cervical screening helps to prevent cervical cancer by checking for a virus called high-risk HPV which causes nearly all cervical cancers. This means any cervical cell abnormalities can be treated. If left untreated, these cells can develop into cancer.

Local mum, Meg, encouraging young people to book their first cervical screening

“I am so glad I went for my initial cervical screening.” – Meg Long, Hull

Meg Long, a mum of twins from Hull, attended her first cervical screening appointment at the age of 25 and said “Life is busy, and I could have easily let my cervical screening fall to the bottom of my to do list, especially as I was not looking forward to having it done, but I am so glad I went.

“After my appointment, I was invited back for a second screening which showed abnormal cells and HPV, so I was referred for a colposcopy and waited anxiously for the test.

“The whole thing was over much quicker than I thought it would be and all of the staff were lovely. A few weeks later, I was pleased to find out my results no longer showed HPV or abnormal cells.

“I am so glad I went for my initial cervical screening. It was not as unpleasant as I thought, and all of the NHS staff made me feel as comfortable as possible. Plus, getting the peace of mind when you get your results is worth it!”

Dr Dan Cottingham, Cancer Research UK GP Lead for Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance, said: “If you have been invited for a cervical screening and have not booked an appointment yet, please contact your GP practice without delay. If you have any questions or are worried that you may find the test uncomfortable, talk to the person doing the test so they give you the right support.

“We are excited to be working with local hairdressers and beauticians who can talk to lots of people about cervical screening. The more local Cancer Champions we have helping us raise awareness of NHS cancer screening programmes, the more likely we are to encourage uptake and improve outcomes for people in Humber and North Yorkshire”

The FeMale Ego Hair and Beauty team are encouraging important discussions about cervical screening

Donna Finn, owner of FeMale Ego Hair and Beauty salon in Hull, said: “My own experience of cancer meant I jumped at the chance to learn more about cervical screening. I want to support my clients to not only look good on the outside, but also be aware of how they can help look after themselves on the inside.

“I feel confident to talk about cervical screening and know I can signpost my clients to Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust or the NHS website if they need more information they can trust.”

Jan 17
blue background with text saying cervical cancer prevention awareness sessions and a QR code for the page with more information

Cancer Alliance offers awareness sessions to encourage people to come forward for cervical screening

By Awareness and Early Diagnosis, Cancer Champions

Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance is encouraging people to come forward for cervical screening by offering free cervical screening awareness sessions during Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (23rd – 29th January).

The sessions are free and available online to anyone living or working in Humber and North Yorkshire. They will teach people about the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer, as well as providing advice about screening tests, the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause cervical cancer, and the HPV vaccination programme.

Dr Dan Cottingham, CRUK GP Lead for the Cancer Alliance, said: “Cervical cancer is the most preventable cancer and cervical screening can help identify changes in your cervix and the cells, before cervical cancer starts. It’s important to educate and support people to have the confidence to come forward for their screening, which is why we’ve decided to offer a series of bitesize awareness sessions.

“Some people can be nervous about cervical screening because they are unsure of what it entails. Offering specific sessions helps us to alleviate people’s concerns and encourage them to attend their screening, which can catch any problems at an earlier stage when they are easier to treat.”

The Cancer Alliance’s Cancer Champions awareness sessions give people the skills and confidence to have conversations about cancer with family and friends, which in turn can encourage more people to attend screening or seek GP advice for any concerns they may have.

Syeda signed up to a Cancer Champions training session having lost a family member to cancer and being nervous of attending her cervical screening appointment.

She said: “I had spoken to my GP about cervical screening, but I was put off by the terminology used and didn’t fully understand the procedure, so I avoided going for my screening when I was invited. After attending the Cancer Champions training everything felt so much clearer. Things were explained really simply, and it gave me the confidence to book a screening appointment. I would encourage anyone to take up screening appointments when offered as early detection can make a big difference.”

Emma Lewin, Project Manager for the Cancer Champions programme, said: “We’ve had people come back to us after the training sessions to let us know that the training encouraged them to have screening or to speak to their GP about a concern they have had, and it’s potentially saved their life or that of someone they know.

“It’s a privilege to be able to make a difference to people like Syeda. I’m looking forward to delivering the cervical screening awareness sessions and announcing our next round of Cancer Champions sessions to continue making a difference and ultimately save lives.”

Cervical screening in England is open to women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64. People aged 24 to 49 will receive a letter every three years and those aged 50 to 64, every five years. More information is available on the NHS England website.

To reserve your place on one of the Cancer Alliance’s free cervical screening awareness sessions during Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (23rd January to 29th January) visit the Cancer Alliance website.

Oct 28
head and shoulders pictre of syeda. Brown hair wearing a white blouse

Cancer Champions training gave me the confidence to book my screening: Syeda’s story

By Cancer Champions

Syeda first heard about the Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance Cancer Champions training through a local community group.

Having sadly lost her aunt to lung cancer and previously being fearful of screening programmes, Syeda was keen to learn more about cancer and signed up to take part in a Cancer Champions training session.

Syeda explains: “I had spoken to my GP about cervical screening, but I was put off by the terminology used and didn’t fully understand the procedure, so I avoided going for my screening when I was invited.

“After attending the Cancer Champions training and watching the Cancer Research UK video about screening everything felt so much clearer. Things were explained really simply, and it gave me the confidence to book a screening appointment.

“I’d been having some pain in my right breast and knew I should get it checked. Thankfully, it was nothing serious. I now feel less fearful, and I would encourage anyone to take up screening appointments when offered as early detection can make a big difference.”

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
Jan 14
DR Dan Cottingham

The Cancer Champion Programme reaches 3,000 milestone: Blog from Dr Dan Cottingham

By Cancer Champions

”The Cancer Champion programme has reached a new milestone this week and there are now more than 3,000 ‘Cancer Champions’ helping to increase knowledge and support earlier diagnosis of cancer.

Dr Dan CottinghamCRUK GP Lead for Humber, Coast and Vale Cancer Alliance

In a blog for Humber, Coast and Vale Health and Care Partnership, Dr Dan Cottingham, CRUK GP Lead for the Cancer Alliance reflects on the impact and achievements of the Cancer Champion Programme.

The Programme reached an important milestone in January 2022, and there are now 3,000 people in Humber, Coast and Vale helping to raise awareness of the early signs and symptoms of cancer.

To read the blog, please click here.

Jan 12
Jo, a research fellow at Hull York Medical School.

Local Cancer Champions share their stories to celebrate 3,000 milestone

By Cancer Champions

More than 3,000 people in Humber, Coast and Vale have now completed Cancer Champion training – helping to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancer and encourage early detection in our local communities.

The Cancer Champion programme launched in Humber, Coast and Vale in September 2018 and is an integral part of the Cancer Alliance’s awareness and early diagnosis programme. In 2020, sessions began being delivered virtually in order to continue training people safely throughout the pandemic.

Here, some of the people who have completed the training share their stories.

Amanda Eastwood, a member of staff at Hull City Council, who took the training in September 2021.Amanda

Cancer Champion Amanda decided to attend the training because she’d been affected by cancer in her personal life. Now, in her role at Hull City Council, she’s encouraging colleagues to take part. Click here to read her story.

 

DavidImage of police uniform, saying 'Police Staff' on the back.

David, a Crisis Negotiator for Humberside Police, has used his training to give help, support, and advice to people who find themselves in a difficult situation. Click here to read his story.

Jo, a research fellow at Hull York Medical School.Jo

Attending an awareness session in December 2019 ignited a passion in Jo for supporting earlier diagnoses and even influenced her research fellowship. Click here to read her story.

SarahSarah, who has long brown wavy hair, wears a white t shirt and smiles at the camera while holding a latte coffee.

Sarah signed up for an awareness session to meet fellow cancer patients, talk about cancer, and gain a deeper understanding of other cancers different to her own. Click here to read her story.

Click here to find out more about the Cancer Champion Programme or sign up for an upcoming awareness session.

Jan 12
Picture of Emma Lewin speaking at a Cancer Champions session

Number of Cancer Champions in Humber, Coast and Vale passes 3,000 milestone

By Cancer Champions

More than 3,000 people in Humber, Coast and Vale have now completed Cancer Champion training – helping to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancer and encourage early detection in our local communities.

Humber, Coast and Vale Cancer Alliance launched the Cancer Champion training sessions in September 2018; and trained its 3,000th Cancer Champion this week during an online training session to members of the public.

Image of a roller banner which features a human silhouette that has white arrows pointing to different parts of the body and text that describes different cancer symptoms such as 'a mouth or tongue ulcer that lasts longer than 3 three weeks.

Free Cancer Champion training teaches how to spot the early signs of cancer

The training, which is free of charge and only takes 90 minutes to complete, equips people with the knowledge to talk more openly about cancer with their friends and family to encourage early detection of cancer, when treatment could be simpler and more successful.

Dr Dan Cottingham, CRUK GP Lead for Humber, Coast and Vale Cancer Alliance, said: “Thank you to every individual who has taken the time to complete the Alliance’s Cancer Champion training. Three thousand Cancer Champions in Humber, Coast and Vale is something to be proud of but we hope to train many more Cancer Champions in our region to help achieve the NHS Long Term Plan ambition of diagnosing three out of four people with cancer at an early stage by 2028.

“With research showing that 4 in 10 cancers are preventable, the training highlights the importance of healthy lifestyle choices and helps people to engage in conversations about cancer. Talking openly about cancer can support others to reduce their risk of cancer, take up national cancer screening invitations or contact their GP about any worrying symptoms.”

Virtual and face-to-face Cancer Champion training sessions are available to members of the public and the Cancer Alliance also offers bespoke sessions to business, voluntary and educational organisations. Anyone can take part in the training; you do not need any specific skills or qualifications or any previous knowledge of cancer.

AVIVA, North Yorkshire Council, East Riding Clinical Commissioning Group, and HEY Smile Foundation are just some local employers which have organised private Cancer Champion training sessions for their staff.

Hull City Council employee Amanda Eastwood became a Cancer Champion in September 2020 and has used the skills she learned during the training to help others.

Cancer Champion training at HEY Smile

She said: “Since becoming a Cancer Champion, I’ve been lucky enough to help others. A colleague of mine had mentioned their periods weren’t right and said they felt constantly tired. I encouraged them to speak to their GP and they are now receiving treatment after cancerous cells were found.

“Having witnessed the benefits of this training, I’m now working with my employer to ensure every sector at Hull City Council has at least one Cancer Champion who can support others affected by cancer.”

Dr Jo Cairns

Dr Jo Cairns, a research fellow at Hull York Medical School, has also put her Cancer Champion training into practice. She said:

“After someone told me they were nervous about attending their first cervical screening appointment, I was able to reassure them and reinforced the importance of attending. I believe it is small moments like that which could help to make a big difference to someone’s outcome.”

Humberside Police crisis negotiator Dave Dosdale also found the training extremely useful.

“I’d recommend everyone taking part to help understand the impact of cancer on our friends, our colleagues, and our family members,” he said. “It’s important to learn how to support someone’s cancer journey.”

Cancer Champion Claire Davis Eaton, who attended a session delivered by Care Plus Group, added: “Cancer Champions aren’t medically trained, and we don’t use medical jargon, but the training can still help you to promote awareness of cancer. We’re normal people who just want to help others either get an earlier diagnosis or have their worries alleviated sooner.”

To sign up for a Humber, Coast and Vale Cancer Champion training session, visit: www.hcvcanceralliance.org.uk/cancerchampions

Dec 13
Front of a Boots pharmacy where Nicola, a Cancer Champion, works.

Cancer Champions: Nicola’s story

By Awareness and Early Diagnosis, Cancer Champions

In her job as a Community Pharmacist, Nicola spends her day supporting and building relationships with local people. Three months into her role, Nicola noticed something different about one of her regular customers and used her experience to help.

Just three months into her new job at a Boots Pharmacy in Hull, Nicola knew many of her regular customers well. She noticed that one gentleman, who was known to pick up his medication order like clockwork, had not been in for a while. He was a particularly sociable man who liked a laugh and a giggle with the staff, always had a smile for everyone, and was totally committed to caring for his disabled wife.

Front of a Boots pharmacy where Nicola, a Cancer Champion, works.

Nicola was just three months into her job at Boots when she noticed something off about the man.

He was always keen to chat, especially about his family and their mini-breaks away. His absence was unusual, but what was more unusual was his behaviour when he came in the following month. Nicola knew he must have been unwell, and this was confirmed when finally returned to the pharmacy to collect his usual prescription as well as some antibiotics.

Nicola straightaway noticed a change in his demeanour. He was less talkative and chose to sit and wait on the chairs away from the counter, rather than stand and chat with her as was usual. She also noticed he had lost a significant amount of weight, was coughing almost constantly, and his skin was yellow.

After Nicola asked if the man was okay, he responded that he thought he may have a chest infection. Nicola felt there was more to this and invited the gentleman into their meeting room for a chat. With further conversation, he admitted to Nicola that he was experiencing a significant change with his bowel movements and had noticed blood in his stools. While the man was talking, Nicola looked at his skin and the whites of eyes – they appeared ‘banana’ yellow. He told her he had a blood test booked for a weeks’ time, but Nicola was seriously concerned.

She reported the situation to her manager who agreed that a further conversation was needed with the GP surgery, which was attached to the pharmacy. Nicola spoke with the lead receptionist and explained some of the man’s symptoms. As a result, the gentleman was invited for a blood test there and then. Later the same day, he was called back into the surgery as the GP said something serious had been picked up on his blood test. Along with his notes, he was sent straight to the local hospital to see a specialist who confirmed that he had metastatic cancer which was treatable, but not curable.

The following morning, the gentleman and his wife brought in a huge bunch of flowers to thank Nicola for her care and support. Receiving the diagnosis of cancer may not have been able to save his life, but it meant a great deal to the couple that it would lead to treatment that could manage his symptoms and extend the time he would have with his family. It also gave them chance to make alternative arrangements for his wife’s care.

Nicola believes she was ready to ask the right questions and take the necessary steps because, at that time, her father was being treated for lung cancer and her brother for Hodgkin lymphoma. Her lived experience and the relationships she had built with her regular customers meant she was aware of certain signs and had the confidence to take the necessary steps to help someone. She’s now asking other pharmacy staff to take the Cancer Champion Training to equip them with the same tools.

”“I was able to use my own experiences with cancer to help a patient. Since then, I’ve taken part in the Cancer Champion training, and I think it’s a great way to give pharmacy staff everywhere the same knowledge, understanding, and skills required to support their customers in the same way.”

Nicola, Cancer Champion

After his diagnosis, the gentleman was given an estimated three months to live. He died 18 months later. While Nicola still feels the emotions of that time deeply, she is proud of her actions and the opportunity to positively support another family affected by cancer.

Cancer Champion Awareness Sessions are available to schools and colleges, businesses, community groups, and the public. The team hold virtual or face to face sessions, as well as bespoke sessions that focus on a particular cancer or topic.

To get involved, email [email protected] or visit www.hcvcanceralliance.org.uk/CancerChampions

Jun 24
Image shows two people and text that says Spot the Difference? Lung Cancer doesn't discriminate. Nor do we. We're here to spot the difference. Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation

Spot the Difference and take action

By Awareness and Early Diagnosis, Cancer Champions

Early symptoms of lung cancer can be subtle and easy to ignore. A bit of breathlessness is put down to being a bit out of shape. Lack of energy can be caused by anything from poor diet to low mood. And a persistent cough? Well, we all know what springs to mind when we hear a cough nowadays.

A new awareness campaign from Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation aims to help people ‘spot the difference’ in their health, identifying symptoms which are unusual for them and encourage and reassure them to take action.

Spot the Difference highlights many of different lung cancer symptoms including a persistent cough, breathlessness, weight loss and fatigue and how they can masquerade in every day activities. It also features a variety of patients who spotted differences in their health, were diagnosed early and went on to have curative intent treatment.

To find out more about the campaign and potential symptoms, visit roycastle.org/ spotthedifference

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