Council's partnership helps raise awareness of cancer

A year-long cancer awareness project was launched in the East Riding at the start of the year to help support residents through what could be one of the toughest times in their lives.

With so many of us experiencing cancer, or the effects of cancer in a loved one, it’s important to talk about it and know what help and support is available in the East Riding.

As part of this, East Riding of Yorkshire Council works with various local health partners to help raise awareness of cancer and this month, the council has partnered with the Cancer Alliance to help give advice and support to East Riding residents.

Humber, Coast and Vale Cancer Alliance’s mission is to improve services, care and outcomes for those affected by cancer.

To achieve world class cancer outcomes for the Humber, Coast and Vale region, the Alliance is working collaboratively with organisations that commission and provide cancer services, including health, social care and third sector organisations as well as patients and members of the public.

The NHS Long Term Plan set out an ambition that by 2028, 55,000 more people will survive cancer for five years following diagnosis and 75% of cancers will be diagnosed by stage one and two.

The Cancer Alliance is seeking to improve cancer survival rates within the Humber, Coast and Vale region by ensuring more people are diagnosed at an earlier stage. Early detection can save lives and the Alliance aims to improve cancer awareness and uptake of screening in local communities by providing free Cancer Champion training to organisations and members of the public.

Anyone can take part in Cancer Champion training and the free half day training session gives people the knowledge needed to help start conversations about early signs and symptoms, healthy lifestyle choices and uptake of screening in their communities.

Lucy Turner, Humber, Coast and Vale Cancer Alliance programme director, said: “Cancer Champions are a key part of our strategy to increase awareness about signs and symptoms of cancer across our communities.

“We know that up to 40% of cancers are preventable through lifestyle changes. We also know that cancers that have been diagnosed at an early stage are more likely to be treated successfully.

“Cancer Champions use their training and knowledge to work within our communities and support those at risk of developing cancer as well as helping to prevent avoidable cancer deaths by encouraging people to take up cancer screening invitations or go to their GP if they have symptoms they are worried about.”

“Our Cancer Champion programme is just one of the ways that we are working to support people living in our region. We have recently launched a Community Network which will help us learn from the experiences and views of those affected by cancer to improve cancer services. By joining our Community Network, the voices of patients, carers and service users’ can influence our work and the decisions that we make.”

Councillor Jonathan Owen, chair of the East Riding Health and Wellbeing Board at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “Members of the public who wish to share their stories may be able to help others who are struggling with cancer.

“Sometimes hearing someone else’s story can help people realise they are not alone and that help is available.”

To find out more about Humber, Coast and Vale Cancer Alliance and to sign up for Cancer Champion training to help raise awareness of cancer in your community, visit www.hcvcanceralliance.org.uk

To become involved in the project as a partner or case study, contact Kimberley Nichol by emailing Kimberley.nichol@eastriding.gov.uk or call (01482) 391444.