GM Cancer News

A MUM-OF-TWO is encouraging women to listen to their bodies and not blame menopausal symptoms after being diagnosed with cervical cancer. When Alicia Clarke, 43, first started experiencing symptoms of cervical cancer including vaginal discharge and severe exhaustion which she put down to the menopause and taking HRT medication. Alicia had previously had a subtotal hysterectomy, which involves only the body of the uterus being removed but not the cervix. This means she continued to need routine cervical smear tests. But when the symptoms got worse, she went to her GP for a check-up. She [...]

An innovative cancer screening programme in Greater Manchester has led to a significant reduction in cases of late stage lung cancer according to an evaluation published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology.   The published findings demonstrate that despite only screening 2% of the population in part of Greater Manchester, the programme has identified 31% of all diagnosed cases of lung cancer in the area, and has led to a 22% reduction of late stage diagnosis. The screening programme is currently being rolled out to all residents who are current or former smokers and aged between 55 and 74, with [...]

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 [...]

Current and former smokers who are registered with a GP in Altrincham will be offered NHS lung cancer screening from mid-February 2026. The NHS will be offering free lung health checks which can help find lung cancer at an early stage when it is much more treatable to help save lives. The quick checks are for people aged 55 to 74 who smoke or used to smoke registered with the following GP practices in Altrincham Healthcare Alliance Primary Care Network: Park Medical Practice WA15 7XR Altrincham Medical Practice WA14 2DD Shay Lane Medical Centre (Kelman) WA15 8NZ West Timperley Medical [...]

Primary schools in Greater Manchester are being invited to sign up to a free Sun Safe Schools programme – helping pupils stay safe in the sun and cutting their future risk of skin cancer. The call comes from the NHS Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, which has teamed up with national skin cancer charity Skcin to encourage schools to gain the Sun Safe Schools accreditation in time for the warmer months. Children spend nearly half of their childhood in school – and around eight hours a week outdoors. Without proper protection like shade, sunscreen and sun-safe habits, young skin can burn [...]

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 [...]