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The National Cancer Plan has been released today, 4th February 2026 Today Wednesday 4 February the Government published its National Cancer Plan. Our Medical Director Susannah Penney and Managing Director Claire O’Rourke have blogged about how Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance will play a crucial role in delivering this plan. The NHS Cancer Plan was published today on World Cancer Day. It is a plan set to transform cancer treatment, prevention and diagnosis and make England a world-leader in cancer survival. The plan focuses on three main strands: diagnosing cancer earlier and at greater scale; restoring and sustaining performance [...]

A Chorlton woman undergoing treatment for cancer is urging women and people with a cervix across Greater Manchester to attend their cervical screening appointments when invited. Siobhan Kennedy urges women to book their smear tests Siobhan Kennedy, 36, was diagnosed with cervical cancer in April 2024 after she previously missed her cervical screening test a few years earlier. She underwent radiotherapy and brachytherapy at The Christie, which successfully removed the cancer from her cervix. However, a scan in October 2024 revealed the cancer had spread to her lungs. The disease is now metastatic and incurable. Siobhan received palliative [...]

January 2026 marks Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, an important time dedicated to raising awareness about cervical cancer, its prevention, and early detection. Across the UK, health organisations, charities, and communities are joining forces to educate and empower people about the importance of regular cervical screenings (also known as a smear test) and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations. HPV vaccine Central to this year's campaign is the emphasis on the HPV vaccine, which has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer. Therefore it’s very important that children have this vaccine to stop them getting HPV and therefore cancer. [...]

People in Prestwich will be offered a free lung health check from 5 January 2026 as part of the NHS Lung Cancer Screening which is being rolled out to eligible people in Greater Manchester. NHS Lung Cancer Screening comes to Prestwich in January 2026. The lung health checks will be available to people who are current or former cigarette or shisha smokers aged 55-74 and based at the following groups of GP practices which are part of Prestwich Primary Care Network: Fairfax Group Practice M25 1BT St Gabriel’s Medical Centre M25 0HT Greyland Medical Centre [...]

The NHS wants you to make 2026 the year to Get Cancer Clever. Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, part of the NHS, works to help reduce the risk of people developing cancer, as well as to diagnose cancer early and improve survival outcomes and experiences for those who do develop cancer. One thing you can do to 'Get Cancer Clever' in 2026 is to visit the This Van Can cancer awareness roadshow that is touring shopping centres in Greater Manchester until April. This January the Cancer Alliance has shared six things to help you and [...]

A Wigan mum-of-two is urging people to attend their NHS lung cancer screening after it saved her life. Gillian Glynn, 60, from Golborne, was invited for a lung health check in July when the mobile clinic visited her local Asda. The programme offers screening to people aged 55–74 who smoke or used to smoke. Gillian Glynn is now recovering well after successful surgery for lung cancer which was found by attending her NHS lung cancer screening The programme offers screening to people aged 55–74 who smoke or used to smoke. Despite not having any [...]

A pioneering AI-assisted chest X-ray tool is helping to speed up lung cancer diagnoses across Greater Manchester, with thousands of patients already benefiting. Linda Cotterell, 74, from Trafford, was sent for a chest X-ray in February after developing a persistent cough. Behind the scenes, an advanced AI system analysed her scan and flagged potential lung cancer, allowing doctors to prioritise and review her case. Just two days later, Linda received her diagnosis. She has since had successful surgery at Wythenshawe Hospital and is now cancer-free. The AI technology, rolled out by Greater Manchester Cancer [...]

Think Well with Cancer project is a pilot project in partnership between Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH) Talking Therapies Service and Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance. It is looking to improve access to and effectiveness of psychological interventions for people affected by cancer. A cancer patient takes part in talking therapy The pathway sits within GMMH Talking Therapies, which uses a stepped care model, supporting people ranging from mild, to moderate, to more severe and complex difficulties. The Step 3+ Cancer Pathway, which consists of a Principal Clinical Psychologist and a Senior Cognitive Behavioural Therapist [...]

Stagecoach’s Hazel Grove premises is hosting NHS lung cancer screening during National Lung Cancer Awareness Month The quick checks can help to save lives by detecting early signs of lung cancer The partnership reinforces Stagecoach’s commitment to adding social value to the communities that they serve The lung cancer screening mobile clinic parked at Stagecoach's Park and Ride site in Hazel Grove, Stockport Regional bus operator Stagecoach has partnered with the NHS to help raise awareness and detect signs of lung cancer. The NHS is offering lung cancer screening checks at the Stagecoach-owned Hazel [...]

Staff from Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance working on a project to speed up – or rule out – a diagnosis of lung cancer have been recognised with a highly commended award at the national HSJ Awards. Dr Rhidian Bramley, Clinical Lead for AI at Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, with the highly commended award in the Modernising Diagnostics category at the HSJ Awards The team, led by Dr Rhidian Bramley, Clinical Lead for AI at the Alliance and Consultant Radiologist at The Christie, scooped the award in the Modernising Diagnostics category at a ceremony in [...]