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 your loved ones:
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Get to know the main ‘red flag’ symptoms of cancer and check yourself regularly
Signs and symptoms such as:
- lump or swelling anywhere on the body
- a cough or breathlessness lasting more than three weeks
- unexplained bleeding (in pee, poo, or between periods)
- heartburn that lasts for three weeks or more
- unexplained tiredness, pain, loss of appetite, or weight loss
Remember to look and feel every month to check your breasts and check your skin for changes to any moles or for any new brown marks on your skin – even in winter.
If you experience any of these symptoms, please don’t worry. Your GP wants to see you to make sure it’s nothing serious, and to help you get treated if it is. And remember – finding cancer early could make all the difference.
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Make sure you attend your screening when invited
In December, King Charles announced that nine million people have not attended their latest cancer screening in the UK. Most people who attend cancer screening will get peace of mind that everything is OK. But screening can also find cancer at an early stage when it’s much more treatable and mean you can start treatment sooner. Search ‘NHS screening’ to check your eligibility. In Greater Manchester we have four cancer screening programmes:
- Cervical cancer screening for women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64. Invitation sent by post/text.
- Breast cancer screening for women and people registered with their GP as female aged 50 to 71. Invitation sent by post/text.
- Bowel cancer screening for men and women aged 50-74. Test kit sent in the post.
- Lung cancer screening for smokers and ex-smokers aged 55-74 – currently being rolled out across Greater Manchester. Look out for your invite when it’s in your area by post or text. Search lung cancer screening Greater Manchester to pop in your postcode and see if the screening has arrived in your area yet.
If you’ve not been invited and think you should be, contact your GP surgery to check.
Use the Stand Up To Cancer screening checker to see if you are eligible.
Not registered with a GP?
You need to be registered with a GP to receive a screening invite. You can find out how to register by searching ‘register with a GP’.
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Help stack your odds against cancer with lifestyle changes
Four in 10 cancers could be prevented by lifestyle changes.
- Smoking is the single biggest cause of cancer. January is a great time to stop smoking and if you search ‘Make Smoking History’ you’ll find lots of resources to help you do this.
- January is also a good time to cut down your alcohol consumption. Search ‘Dry January’ for tips.
- Other things that can make a difference include eating a healthy balanced diet, being more active and wearing sun cream (at least factor 30) to protect your skin from the sun from March until October.
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Join the NHS Cancer Voices Community
Are you living with cancer or had treatment previously? Maybe you care for or have cared for a loved one who has had cancer? If so, you might want to join our Cancer Voices Community and have your say in how we improve cancer services. Find out more by visiting: ‘Cancer Voices Greater Manchester’.
5.Visit the This Van Can Cancer Awareness Roadshow
We have NHS cancer awareness staff touring Greater Manchester in a bright green van from January until April. Visit for a chat and to pick up for more information about cancer screening and potential cancer symptoms. In January the roadshow is in Oldham, Tameside, Manchester and Salford. You’ll find a full timetable by visiting ‘This Van Can’.
6. Follow Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance on social media
Search ‘Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance’ and find helpful advice and reminders about cancer symptoms and screening to help look after yourself and your loved ones. Find us on:
