Cancer Champions

Jun 18

An image of Katy Connolly. She has long brown hair and is smiling at the camera.

Finding HPV during a cervical screening: Katy’s story

By Cancer Alliance Awareness and Early Diagnosis, Cancer Champions

After a routine cervical screening test, Katy received a letter saying she had abnormal cells. As a Cancer Champion, Katy is now sharing her experience to help tackle the fears some women and people with a cervix may be experiencing about cervical screening.

After a routine cervical screening, Katy received a letter saying she had abnormal cells and HPV.

“Following a routine cervical screening test, I was shocked to receive a feedback letter saying I had abnormal cells and HPV virus. It seemed very sinister and I was worried; how had I got HPV?!

I was then asked to go to Hull Royal for a colposcopy, which made me feel very nervous, as I wasn’t sure what to expect. When I arrived, however, the whole team made me feel at ease as soon as I walked in.

Before the colposcopy examination, I spoke with a consultant who explained more about the HPV virus… that it was very normal, and that I had most likely had it for years. By keeping a close eye on the cells and removing tiny amounts of them if required, it can ultimately stop the development of cancerous cells. There was no suggestion to say that I would develop cancerous cells if the HPV was left untreated – but it was a great way to prevent it from happening.

An illustration of a woman attending a colposcopy appointment. She is on a hospital bed with legs in supports while a health professional assess her cervix through a colposcope which connects to a screen showing the cervix.

By keeping a close eye on the cells and removing tiny amounts of them if required, a colposcopy can ultimately stop the development of cancerous cells. [Image from Jo’s Trust]

The colposcopy was just like a cervical screening test, conducted by a specialist who viewed the cervix and took a tiny biopsy of the cells (which didn’t hurt at all) which were then sent off for analysis. I received a letter a few weeks later to say the abnormal cells had been examined and were not cancerous, so I would continue to have yearly smears to keep an eye on things.

The following year, when I returned for a smear test, I was referred for another colposcopy. This time, the consultant advised that they would remove some of the cells there and then – which was good because I didn’t have time to overthink it! Again, it was painless – just a little uncomfortable for a matter of seconds. The procedure was very quick. After using a local anaesthetic on the cervix (which also didn’t hurt) he used a device with a heated thin wire loop, which quickly removed a tiny amount of the abnormal cells.

Before I knew it, I was sat in a comfy chair, drinking a cup of tea, and eating a biscuit! I didn’t experience any pain when the anaesthetic wore off. I just had to avoid exercise for 3-4 weeks (other than walking).

I’ve just had another smear, and the HPV virus is still present, but there are no abnormal cells, so I’m being referred for a colposcopy again.

I’m very grateful for the cervical screening system – it is empowering to know that by attending the routine smear tests and colposcopies, I’m doing everything I can to monitor my health, which benefits both me and my family.”

What is cervical screening?

Cervical screening (previously known as a smear test) is a test to check the health of your cervix, which is the opening to your womb from your vagina. It’s not a test for cancer; it’s a test to help prevent cancer.

In England, all women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 should be invited to regular appointments by letter. During each appointment, a small sample of cells will be taken from your cervix to check for human papillomavirus (HPV) that can cause changes to the cells of your cervix.

To find out more about the cervical screening programme and how attending your appointment can help prevent cancer, visit www.jostrust.org.uk

May 06

Sharon, who was diagnosed with breast cancer after learning about the symptoms during a Cancer Champion Awareness Session. She has cheekbone length light brown hair and wears black square glasses. She is looking to the right and slightly smiling.

‘Learning about cancer saved my life’: Sharon’s story

By Cancer Alliance Cancer Champions

‘If I hadn’t done the Cancer Champion training, where would I be? Learning about cancer saved my life.’

Sharon Hornsby, a Contact Officer with Humberside Police, received treatment for early stage breast cancer after a free awareness session prompted her to book an appointment with her GP.

In March 2019, Sharon took part in a 90 minute Cancer Champion awareness session at her work place. The session, hosted by Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance, taught the early signs of cancer, promoted national screening programmes and encouraged early detection of cancer. During the training, Sharon identified with one of the symptoms shown on a Know Your Lemons poster and decided to contact her GP.

She said: “Each lemon on the poster represented a symptom of breast cancer we should keep an eye out for, such as a dimple, skin sores, or a new shape or size. Upon looking, I realised my right nipple was on that poster!”

The Know Your Lemons poster, which uses lemons to demonstrate some of the symptoms of breast cancer. This includes changes to skin thickness, a lump, a sunken nipple, and more.

Sharon was diagnosed with breast cancer after recognising her symptoms on a Know Your Lemons poster.

“I quickly got in touch with my GP as my nipple had been inverted for approximately three months and because I was 48 at the time, I wasn’t eligible for the national breast screening programme. My GP was brilliant and, within 14 days, I was sent to Castle Hill Hospital for a mammogram. A few weeks later I received the news that I had stage two breast cancer.”

Sharon went on to receive treatment for cancer at Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and in July 2020, was given the all-clear from cancer. Sharon is now encouraging others to take part in free Cancer Champion training and to take note of what is normal for them.

She said: “Learning about cancer saved my life. If I’d not attended that Cancer Champion training session, I would have carried on oblivious to anything going on inside my body. Also, because my tumours were deep within the breasts, I would have never felt them from routine checking at home.

“I would encourage everyone to attend the Cancer Champion training. Not just for personal reasons, but to be there for your colleagues, friends and family too. If I hadn’t seen the Know Your Lemons poster, if I hadn’t done the Cancer Champion training, where would I be?”

Image of Dr Dan Cottingham who is the GP Lead for Cancer at Humber, Coast and Vale Cancer Alliance. The image shows Dan standing in front of a brick wall, wearing a shirt and tie. He is wearing glasses and is smiling.

Dr Dan Cottingham, CRUK Primary Care Lead

Dr Dan Cottingham, CRUK Primary Care Lead for Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance said: “The Alliance is really pleased to have supported Sharon’s journey to early diagnosis and treatment of cancer. By teaching people about the early signs of cancer, the Cancer Champion programme aims to encourage people to talk about cancer and promote early detection.

“It’s important to be aware of the early signs of cancer and to know what’s normal for you, so that you can spot any symptoms that are unusual, persistent and/or unexplained. If you are worried about a symptom that might be cancer, please contact your GP without delay. As Sharon’s experience highlights, cancer is most treatable when it is diagnosed early.”

People living in the Humber, Coast and Vale region, including Hull, East Yorkshire, Scarborough, York, Grimsby and Scunthorpe can become a Cancer Champion by taking part in a free 90 minute virtual session. To find out more and sign up, visit www.hcvcanceralliance.org.uk/cancerchampions

Mar 10

Local Cancer Champion encourages others to ‘go and get checked’ after attending a breast screening appointment

By Cancer Alliance Awareness and Early Diagnosis, Cancer Champions

“Go and get checked. The staff know it is a frightening time, but be assured they are equipped to deal with your fears and help you every step of the way.”

After recently attending a breast screening appointment at Castle Hill Hospital in Hull, Jennie Salisbury, a 54 year old wife, mother, nanna, and Humber, Coast and Vale Cancer Champion is now urging others to do the same after hearing concerns that the fear of Covid-19 may be deterring people from attending.

Jennie said: I received a letter inviting me to a breast screening appointment back in January. Initially I was a little hesitant about going because I have been anxious to venture out during lockdown, but then I remembered the promise I made to my sister, who died from breast cancer, that I would never miss an appointment.

The national breast screening programme invites women between the ages of 50 and 70 to have their breasts screened every three years. At the start of the pandemic, the programme was temporarily paused across Humber, Coast and Vale however, the service has now resumed and safety measures have been put in place to protect both staff and patients.

Jennie said: “I noticed a lot of safety measures in place at the breast screening unit. Hand sanitisers were available and there was a lot of distance between the chairs. When called through for my appointment, the Technician was busy sanitising the equipment and during every part of the procedure she sanitised her hands. The whole appointment took 15 mins and within half an hour I was back home.”

Photo of Jennie. Jennie has blonde hair and wears glasses. She looking at the camera and smiling. Jennie is wearing a black jumper.

Jennie was pleased to receive all clear results within a week of her appointment and is now advising other women to attend, when invited. Jennie said: “My advice is to go and get checked. The staff know it is frightening times but be assured they are equipped to deal with your fears and talk to you every step of the way. Having previously attended Cancer Champion training, I know how important it is to attend cancer screening appointments and I hope that by sharing my experience, other women will feel assured about attending screening during COVID-19.”

In this video, Hull CCG GP Dr Amy Oehring explains why attending a breast screening is so important:

To learn more about the early signs and symptoms of cancer, sign up for a free 90 minute Cancer Champion awareness session or click here to find out more.

Jan 12

Up close photo of Humber, Coast and Vale Cancer Alliance Cancer Champion badges. The badge is a white circle with a blue border, and they say 'Cancer Champion' in the middle.

Clare’s story: Being open about cancer

By Cancer Alliance Cancer Champions

I heard about the Cancer Champion training while attending another course with Macmillan and decided to take part to help raise more awareness of cancer. If you or someone you know is experiencing cancer symptoms, it’s important to deal with it as early as possible, and one of the keys to this is knowledge.

I enjoyed attending a session where everyone shared an interest in raising awareness of cancer and helping people who are affected. The session itself was interesting and well-presented and, while the trainers were friendly, they were also informative.

Since attending, I’ve spoken to a few people about the training and the importance of attending. I’ve also promoted the training on my blog, handed out leaflets about cancer, and shared awareness-raising posts on social media.

If cancer is caught early, treatment can be more successful. That’s why the training is important – it encourages people to have their symptoms checked which, in turn, promotes early diagnosis. Worrying symptoms don’t always mean it is cancer, but getting it checked can alleviate stress.

”Cancer was a forbidden word once, but we’ve got to be more open, otherwise, things are brushed under the carpet, and you can’t do that with cancer. Lots of families are affected by cancer, but being open about it can make it less scary.
ClareCancer Champion

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 find out more about the Cancer Champion Programme or sign up for an upcoming session, please click here.

Jan 11

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

Sarah’s story: Attending after a diagnosis

By Cancer Alliance Cancer Champions

In late 2018, I first heard about the Cancer Champion Programme from Colette Dixon, part of the Living With and Beyond Cancer Team at St Andrews Hospice, Grimsby.

I decided to sign up for the training so I could meet fellow cancer patients, talk about cancer, and gain a deeper understanding of other cancers which were different to my own.

The session, which was held at St Andrew’s Hospice, was split over a duration of weeks. This made it more suitable for the participants, all of whom had had a cancer diagnosis, with some undergoing treatment at the time. Fatigue is a symptom that’s commonly associated with cancer treatment, so the short spells of training were conducive – participants were able to attend without the session becoming too demanding.

”While my understanding of the type of cancer I had increased with my diagnosis, the Cancer Champion Awareness Session enabled me to become more familiar with other cancers, as well as their associated warning signs.
SarahCancer Champion

Since then, friends and friends of friends have contacted me about my journey with cancer. I’ve been able to use my training to discuss early warning signs while empowering and signposting them to seek further advice from medical professionals.

I think it’s important to be aware of cancer because, as with most things, knowledge is key. If cancer is detected early, people may have a better prognosis. Prior to my diagnosis of leukaemia, I would never have thought I had cancer. Retrospectively speaking, however, the warning signs were there throughout the weeks preceding my diagnosis. Those early symptoms can be so easily dismissed. As such, awareness of cancer, in general, is imperative, as it can help save lives.

To me, being a Cancer Champion means being part of a collective. The training gave me the confidence to talk about cancer more with other people, and I’ve since furthered my involvement with cancer-related foundations. I’m thrilled to be an advocate involved in the development of new scientific medical initiatives for cancer treatments.

I’d recommend everyone take part in a Cancer Champion Awareness Session to gain an understanding of a disease that affects so many people today. In the future, that understanding could help not only the participant, but also their friends, family, and loved ones.

To find out more about the Cancer Champion Programme, please click here.

Jan 11

Jo, a research fellow at Hull York Medical School.

Jo’s story: Improving screening uptake

By Cancer Alliance Cancer Champions

I first heard about Cancer Champion training when looking at ideas for my research fellowship at Hull York Medical School.

Having recently moved to Yorkshire, I was keen to learn about cancer within the Humber, Coast and Vale region and signed up for a face-to-face session.

The training took place in December 2019 and helped me to not only understand local statistics of cancer, but also the early signs of cancer and three national screening programmes.

”I remember being surprised by the statistics shared. I knew 1 in 2 people would experience cancer in their lifetime, however, I was shocked to see how many cancers were diagnosed at a late stage.

The training influenced my decision to focus my research fellowship on improving uptake of screening across Yorkshire and ignited a passion in supporting earlier diagnoses – I feel proud to be part of a programme that is empowering people to have potentially life-saving conversations.

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

To find out more about the Cancer Champion Programme, please click here.

Jan 11

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

David’s story: Cancer knowledge at work

By Cancer Alliance Cancer Champions

While reading a force bulletin about a year ago, I spotted an advert for a Cancer Champion Awareness Session and decided to get involved for two reasons. Firstly, I sadly lost my mother to cancer around 20 years ago so have a personal experience of the illness. Secondly, I now work as a Crisis Negotiator, which means I sometimes speak to people in crisis because of cancer and other conditions.

The session was relevant, informative, but still informal. There was no pressure involved and it gave me an insight into how cancer can affect people in different ways.

”Gaining a better understanding of cancer has allowed me to give help, support, and advice to people who find themselves in a difficult situation. I’ve been able to show them someone who they can turn to, who understands their concerns, and can demonstrate how to deal with the issues they’re facing.

Being a Cancer Champion is about being there as a friend, a family member, a colleague. It’s important to be aware of cancer for our own welfare, too. We need to understand changes and signs in our own bodies so we can deal with them.

As someone personally and professionally affected by cancer, I’d love for our area to set the beacon for cancer awareness, so other regions can follow.

Want to find out more about how you can get involved? Click here.

Jan 11

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

Amanda’s story: Encouraging others to take part

By Cancer Alliance Cancer Champions

Cancer Champion training stood out to me as I’ve been surrounded by cancer in my personal life.

My son, sister and mum had all previously received a cancer diagnosis and in my roles as an Early Help Family Worker and Union representative, I’ve supported people through personalised care.

I took part in a virtual Cancer Champion awareness session in September 2020. Being able to access an online evening session meant I could fit the training in around my work hours. I was impressed by the training and supporting information provided after the event.

Since learning about the early signs of cancer and how to speak to people about cancer, 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.

When my family members were diagnosed with cancer, my work colleagues had been extremely supportive, so when we were asked to make a pledge at the end of the Cancer Champion training, I instantly knew what mine would be.

I pledged to make sure Hull City Council staff knew about the training and were supported to take part in work hours. I wrote to the CEO and Head of HR to explain how beneficial the training had been and why having at least one Cancer Champion in different sectors of the council, would be beneficial to colleagues.

I’m passionate about supporting family, friends and colleagues to take action against cancer and the Cancer Champion training gives tips on how to spot cancer earlier and how to help improve outcomes locally. I’d recommend that everyone takes part in the training.

Nov 08

Meet the Team: Cancer Champions

By Cancer Alliance Awareness and Early Diagnosis, Cancer Champions

Over the last two years, Humber, Coast and Vale Cancer Alliance have helped to raise awareness of cancer by delivering free Cancer Champion awareness sessions to over 2,000 people across the Humber, Coast and Vale region.

Here you can find out more about the trainers behind the programme, as Emma, Zoe and Sarah share information about the programme, their roles and what it means to be a Cancer Champion.

Emma Lewin
Volunteer Co-ordinator

Tell us a little bit about yourself
I have worked for the NHS for 8 years in administrative roles after working in the private sector in a variety of industries. I received a Business Administration degree last year (quite a few years after leaving school at the age of 16).

I have a 10 year old daughter and was very proud when she was telling me about the nurse coming to her school to talk about “body changes” and they mentioned about breast checking and how important this is. She told them, “I already know about this, as mummy talks about doing this in her job”.

What is the best part of your job?
I have loved getting out and about to deliver the Cancer Champion sessions around Humber, Coast and Vale area over the last 2 years and have met hundreds of people, helped make them aware about the early signs and symptoms of cancer and heard their stories.

During the first lockdown, we were able to develop our Cancer Champion workshops so that we could continue to deliver them albeit virtually, so that we can continue sharing the important messages about cancer and screening.

What does delivering Cancer Champion awareness sessions mean to you?
I was diagnosed in 2002 with a benign brain tumour and received stereotactic radiotherapy which shrank it in size and meant that no further treatment was required. I also have friends and family who have been diagnosed with cancer and this is something that inspires me to want to help more people to be aware of those early signs and symptoms of cancer and help them to seek assistance early.

If you share one piece of advice about cancer, what would it be?
Know your body – what is “normal” for you and be aware if anything changes; a lump that appears, a cough that doesn’t clear or sudden weight loss/gain without trying and that if something changes to seek medical assistance.

Sarah Patten
Project Officer

Tell us a little bit about yourself
I joined the Cancer Champion programme in 2019 after my best friend was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. She was only 36, had two young children and was recently separated from her husband. I’ll never forget her words “I have breast cancer, I’m scared I’m going to die”. Thankfully the cancer hadn’t spread and I supported her through her cancer treatment, seeing first hand, the impact her diagnosis had, on both her and her family. It was at the same time I learnt that 1 in 8 women will receive a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime.

As a Cancer Champion trainer, I love being able to inspire people to feel confident talking about cancer and to promote the importance of the NHS cancer screening programmes, all of which aim to detect cancer at an early stage.

What is the best part of your job?
Receiving the ‘Cancer Champion Pledges’ after each session. It’s fantastic when you read what impact the session has had and reading how Cancer Champions plan to use their ‘new’ knowledge about cancer, signs and symptoms and to share our vital cancer messages. A great example, “I pledge to encourage my children to get into good habits of self-checking themselves on a regular basis and to continue to do so. I also now have the information and knowledge to talk confidently and sign post people I come into contact with regarding getting checked out when necessary.”

What does delivering Cancer Champion awareness sessions mean to you?
I feel extremely privileged to be able to support people to recognise the early signs and symptoms of cancer, and truly believe that our programme of awareness makes a huge difference, enabling people to detect cancer as early as possible. It’s fantastic to be able to embrace the new ‘virtual’ world of delivering Cancer Champion awareness sessions, allowing us to reach many more people over a large geographical area.

If you share one piece of advice about cancer, what would it be?
Try to surround yourself with a network of people who remind you regularly how fantastic you’re doing, who encourage you to share how you’re feeling, remind you to celebrate the good days and accept there will be bad days. #itsokaytonotbeokay

Zoe Bounds
Project Officer

Tell us a little bit about yourself
First and foremost I’m a Mum to 4 amazing children. I’m an ex special needs teacher and twice cancer survivor having had Ovarian cancer in 1995 at the age of 17 and Breast cancer in 2013 at 35. I originate from the Midlands and brought my children up in Cornwall. Whilst I miss the Cornish beaches, I’m very much at home here in York, especially having found a couple of stunning beaches on the Yorkshire coast. I run a local breast cancer support charity in my spare time and my weekends are spent walking my dog Riley, watching my son play football or cooking with my daughter. I can bake far too well and I crochet not well enough.

What is the best part of your job?
Making a lasting, often life-long impact on people’s lives. The messages we deliver can be passed out far and wide as well as down the generations and have the potential to save many lives. Recently, I had a message from someone had heard me speak about cancer awareness. She wrote “A few months ago I found a lump. Thanks to you I knew how to check. It turned out it was ‘just’ a cyst but if it hadn’t been for you I might not have known to check myself regularly. I just wanted to say thank you and keep doing what you do”. This is all the evidence I need to continue to have a passion for spreading cancer awareness.

What does delivering Cancer Champion awareness sessions mean to you?
It’s personal. I often joke that I’m so fed up of cancer forcing its way into my life that I have taken this job to gain some control over which area of my life it is involved with… but seriously, I do want to combine my cancer experiences with my teaching skills to try and limit the amount of people who have similar experiences to mine as both my cancers were found at stage 3, so my treatments have been gruelling and left me with lifelong side effects, as well as seriously impacting on my family and friends around me.

If you share one piece of advice about cancer, what would it be?
Cancer isn’t going away any time soon, so let’s protect ourselves with the information we need to spot cancers at the earliest possible stage, so that they can be treated less invasively and have the most successful outcomes. I’m sure we’d all agree that cancer isn’t the most cheery of subjects, but knowing that 1 in 2 people in the UK will develop cancer in their life time and that more than 50% of people diagnosed with cancer survive it, clearly shows that cancer isn’t necessarily a death sentence anymore.

The Cancer Champion team do our best to make the session light and add some humour and we know it’s well received. One of our recently trained Cancer Champions told us “In those short 90 minutes I leant so much about cancer and also really enjoyed myself – something I didn’t expect with such a serious topic!”

Become a Cancer Champion

It’s easier than you think to make a difference. Take part in free a 90 minute cancer awareness session and learn how to spot the early signs and symptoms of cancer.

Aug 05

Free online sessions launched to raise cancer awareness and help save lives through early diagnosis.

By Cancer Alliance Awareness and Early Diagnosis, Cancer Champions

Humber, Coast and Vale Cancer Alliance has launched free online Cancer Champion sessions to help raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancer and encourage early detection within local communities.

Individuals across Hull, York, East Riding of Yorkshire, North Lincolnshire, Scarborough and Ryedale can now register for free one hour Cancer Champion sessions, which teach people about the key facts, statistics, symptoms and screenings for a number of cancers.

Each week, 78 families within the Humber, Coast and Vale region lose a loved one to cancer. The Cancer Champion Programme aims to save lives by promoting healthy lifestyle choices and encouraging early detection of cancer, when treatment could be simpler and more successful.

Emma Lewin, Volunteer Co-ordinator for the Cancer Champion Programme, said: “We originally launched the Cancer Champion Programme in September 2018 and have so far trained over 1,800 people however, since the beginning of lockdown we have been unable to deliver our regular face-to-face sessions. We have now adapted our workshops to be able to offer the same service virtually.

“Cancer Champions are equipped with the knowledge needed to raise awareness about cancer, engage in conversations which could help to reduce the risk of cancer and encourage early diagnosis.

“Our online sessions are easily accessible and everyone who completes the course will receive a copy of our virtual handbook, a certificate and complimentary badge.”

Dr Dan Cottingham, Cancer Research UK GP Lead for Humber, Coast and Vale Cancer Alliance, explained why the Cancer Champion training sessions are so important: “We know that diagnosing cancer early can save lives, but during the COVID-19 pandemic fewer people came forward to speak to us when experiencing early symptoms of cancer.

“Cancer Champion awareness sessions support members of our communities to talk about cancer and encourage others to uptake cancer screening invitations or contact their GP if they have any concerning symptoms.”

The introduction of the virtual Cancer Champion training means there are now cancer awareness sessions available in all areas of Humber, Coast and Vale – with a similar service established in North East Lincolnshire. Care Plus Group are offering virtual Cancer Champion training to individuals within North East Lincolnshire. For more information about Care Plus Group Cancer Champion training, please email [email protected]

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

Finding HPV during a cervical screening: Katy’s story

‘Learning about cancer saved my life’: Sharon’s story

Local Cancer Champion encourages others to ‘go and get checked’ after attending a breast screening appointment

Clare’s story: Being open about cancer

Sarah’s story: Attending after a diagnosis

Jo’s story: Improving screening uptake

David’s story: Cancer knowledge at work

Amanda’s story: Encouraging others to take part