GM Cancer News

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 [...]

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 [...]