sarah.carr45@nhs.net

A pioneering strategy is set to revolutionise care for thousands of people living with metastatic cancer in Greater Manchester, giving them the support and voice they’ve long deserved. The new strategy – a UK and NHS first – sets out a bold vision to transform care for people living with metastatic disease, ensuring earlier diagnosis, joined-up care and the personalised support they need to live well for longer. Jo Taylor, a pivotal supporter of the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance Metastatic Cancer strategy, sadly passed away before the strategy launched, but her legacy lives on. Jo [...]

Each year the National Cancer Patient Experience survey (NCPES) allows patients aged 16 years and older to give feedback on the care they have received. The feedback helps the NHS to improve patient experience of existing cancer care services. Make sure to complete the National Cancer Patient Experience Survey if you are invited; it could help shape cancer care services of the future. How to take part If you had treatment for cancer in the hospital as an inpatient or day-case and left hospital between April and June 2025, you may be invited to take [...]

Shannon an apprentice solicitor from Denton was diagnosed with a rare type of head and neck cancer last December. She had a lump just below her ear on her jaw which caused her jaw to lock and later jaw pain. After flagging the issue with her doctor and dentist, Shannon was initially treated with antibiotics for wisdom tooth pain and then referred to Manchester University Dental Hospital with a suspected jaw joint problem. An MRI scan, followed by an ultrasound and eventually a biopsy discovered she had salivary gland cancer. Shannon Griffiths, who was diagnosed with a rare type [...]

The Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance and Greater Manchester Diagnostics Network comes under a single leadership structure this month. Claire O'Rourke, the Managing Director of the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance and the Greater Manchester Diagnostics Network, with Miss Susi Penney, Medical Director, and Alison Armstrong, Associate Director, who will support with her new role. This comes as Chris Sleight, former Chief Officer, and Katie Moss, former Programme Director, leave the Greater Manchester Diagnostics Network for retirement and new opportunities. Claire O’Rourke, Managing Director for the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, will undertake the joint leadership role to [...]

A contracts manager from NHS Greater Manchester has helped raise more than £5,300 for cancer charities following her own diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer. Nicola Harrison, a breast cancer fundraiser, who has raised more than £5,000 for cancer charities. Nicola Harrison, who lives in Ashton-under-Lyne, joined forces with fellow members of local support group Bosom Buddies to produce a charity calendar in aid of the Tameside Macmillan Unit and Prevent Breast Cancer. Nicola said: "I found a lump, no bigger than a pea, during a self-examination in May 2024. Because of my family [...]

Women from Greater Manchester star in a new campaign by the NHS to raise awareness about the importance of checking your breasts or chest. Nabila Farooq is one woman who stars in the new campaign to raise awareness of breast cancer. The campaign by Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance – part of the NHS -  encourages people to “look and feel” every month and report any potential signs of breast cancer to their GP. Its launch follows Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October and includes local faces as well as some Greater Manchester landmarks including Central [...]