GM Cancer News

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

Everyone at the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance is deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague and friend Jo Taylor.    Since her diagnosis of breast cancer in 2007, Jo devoted her life to supporting others affected by the disease, transforming her own experience into a powerful force for change. She has touched thousands of lives across Greater Manchester, the UK and beyond.  The late Jo Taylor speaking at the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance Conference in 2024 As a patient representative at the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance for 10 years, Jo represented the voices of [...]

When great-grandfather Tom Slattery noticed a lump on his neck in 2023, he didn’t ignore it. He got medical advice straight away - and that quick decision changed everything as he was diagnosed with cancer. This Van Can is a mobile NHS cancer awareness roadshow touring Greater Manchester to encourage people to Get Cancer Clever “It was scary at first,” Tom recalls. “But seeing the doctor quickly was the best thing I ever did. I was sent for tests and treatment right away – and now I’m doing really well.  I’m spending time with [...]