The latest news from the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance.
New project will explore the impact of delivering cancer care to children closer to their homes
A project aiming to understand the impact and benefits of delivering cancer care to children in their homes across the North West has been launched this month – with help from Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance. The North West Children’s Cancer Operational Delivery Network has received funding from regional cancer alliances to deliver an 18-month proof of concept project across the region, working in partnership with [...]
Project to help reduce patient waiting times for a suspected cancer diagnosis is honoured at HSJ Awards
A PROJECT that has helped to reduce waiting times for patients with suspected cancer has been recognised at a prestigious national awards ceremony. Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance was Highly Commended for Driving Efficiency through Technology at the Health Service Journal (HSJ) Awards for its work on Single Queue Diagnostics in Cancer. The HSJ Awards celebrate the achievements of dedicated teams and individuals from the UK’s health and [...]
“Volunteering with Cancer Voices helped me find the confidence I had before my cancer”
When Dr. Farida Anderson volunteered as an NHS Cancer Voices patient representative with Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, she thought it would be a chance to help other patients like her. The 61-year-old, from Prestwich, has been able to share her experience of what it is like to go through breast cancer with healthcare professionals so that they can make improvements to services. Farida is the face [...]
Thousands of cancers caught early through NHS lung checks including over 700 in Greater Manchester
More than 700 people in Greater Manchester - have been diagnosed with lung cancer earlier thanks to an innovative NHS initiative, which uses mobile scanning trucks to visit local communities. The NHS Targeted Lung Health Check programme is the biggest initiative in NHS history aimed at improving early lung cancer diagnosis, and is specifically targeted at areas of the country with the highest rates of lung cancer. [...]
Greater Manchester leads national roll out of a new AI solution to help accelerate lung cancer diagnosis
Hospitals in Greater Manchester are to begin using an new AI (artificial intelligence) technology which will help doctors to detect diseases, including lung cancer, quicker. The new technology will be rolled out at seven NHS Trusts across the region over the next few months as part of a partnership between Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, Greater Manchester Imaging Network and global health tech firm Annalise.ai. PHOTO SHOWS: [...]
Change NHS: a health service fit for the future
The biggest ever national public conversation about the future of the NHS has just launched. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and the NHS want to hear your experiences of the NHS and your ideas to help them change it. NHS, Local Authority and Third sector staff are working harder than ever to get services back on track, to get waiting lists [...]
Lung MOTs come to more parts of Rochdale including Littleborough and Milnrow
Smokers and former smokers aged 55-74 years based at a number of doctors’ surgeries in Rochdale, Milnrow and Littleborough will be invited for a lung health check this autumn. The quick, free checks can help find lung cancer at an early stage – before you might have any symptoms - when it is much more treatable and help save lives. Most visitors to [...]
“You’ve got to learn how to check your breasts”
A mum-of-two from Old Trafford wants everyone to know how to spot potential signs of breast cancer and to get help early. Michelle Griffith who has had breast cancer is sharing her experience to help breakdown taboos and get more people to go and get help if they are worried. The single mum, who has two grown up graduate daughters Kaziah, 31, and O’Cian, 27, was diagnosed [...]
Nicola gets a heartwarming satisfaction working as a dietitian in haematology and oncology helping children during their treatment
To mark National Allied Health Professionals (AHP) Day 2024 (Monday 14 October 2024), Nicola Williams shares how she became a paediatric dietician working at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital. How did you become a paediatric dietician? Initially I went to university to do Biological Sciences in Sheffield inspired by my favourite A level subject of biology. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to be at the time [...]
Lung MOTs come to Atherton and Tyldesley
Smokers and former smokers aged 55-74 years based at a number of doctors’ surgeries in Atherton and Tyldesley will be invited for a lung health check this Autumn. The quick, free checks can help find lung cancer at an early stage – before you might have any symptoms - when it is much more treatable and help save lives. Most visitors to the lung health checks will [...]
Manchester bus driver who had breast cancer at 49 says check your breasts
A MUM-OF-TWO from Manchester is urging everyone to check their breasts after she was successfully treated for breast cancer. Bus driver Joyce Singh, 51, from Stalybridge, found a lump under her left arm after taking a shower in February last year. She went to her GP the next day and was referred to Tameside Hospital. Joyce had a mammogram (an X-ray to check breasts [...]
The personalised care podcast series is now CPD accredited
The latest series of the Greater Manchester Cancer podcast, a series of six episodes looking in detail at personalised care, is now CPD accredited. Personalised care is fundamental to delivering better quality care that is meaningful to the individual and supports their health and wellbeing. This empowers people to manage their care and the impact of their cancer. Covering Holistic Needs Assessments, Personalised Stratified Follow up, Treatment Summaries, Gemonics, Cancer [...]
‘Don’t ignore your invite’: NHS urges women to come forward for cervical screening test
Women and people with a cervix (neck of the womb) are being encouraged to attend their cervical screening appointments when invited by the NHS. Cervical screening (also known as a smear test) checks the health of the cervix and looks for a certain high risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV) which can cause cervical cancer. If that type of high risk HPV is found, it [...]
Lung MOTs come to Whitefield, Unsworth and Besses from mid September
Smokers and former smokers aged 55-74 years based at doctors’ surgeries in parts of Whitefield, Unsworth and Besses will be invited for a lung health check this summer. The quick, free checks can help find lung cancer at an early stage – before you might have any symptoms - when it is much more treatable and help save lives. Most visitors to the lung health checks will [...]
ALLIANCE SHORTLISTED FOR FOUR PROJECTS IN THE PRESTIGIOUS 2024 HSJ AWARDS
Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance is delighted to announce that it has been shortlisted for four prestigious awards at this year’s HSJ Awards 2024 – setting the standard for all healthcare excellence. The Alliance has been shortlisted for the following categories: Modernising Diagnostics Award, NHS Race Equality Award, Provider Collaboration Award Driving Efficiency through Technology Award. The awards recognise outstanding contributions to healthcare. Greater Manchester Cancer [...]
Alliance partners with iPLATO to promote Lung Health Checks
Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance has today announced a new partnership with iPLATO, a Huma Company, which aims to help re-engage patients across Wigan and Salford in the Targeted Lung Health Check programme, focusing on early detection and awareness of lung cancer. The Targeted Lung Health Check programme aims to reduce the lung cancer mortality rates by ensuring early diagnosis and treatment. Using iPLATO’s Population Health [...]
Lung MOTs come to Tesco Gorton, Manchester from-August 2024 onwards
Smokers and former smokers aged 55-74 years based at doctors’ surgeries in central Manchester will be invited for a lung health check from August 2024 onwards.. The quick, free checks can help find lung cancer at an early stage – before you might have any symptoms - when it is much more treatable and help save lives. Most visitors to the lung health checks will get reassurance [...]
NHS partners with Asda to put crucial cancer awareness messaging on toothpaste and mouthwash
The NHS and Asda in Greater Manchester are teaming up to provide vital advice on millions of toothpaste tubes and mouthwash bottles encouraging people to contact their GP or dentist if they notice any potential symptoms of mouth cancer. From this month, Asda's own brand of oral hygiene products will now feature NHS advice in over 500 Asda stores across the country and online. The guidance will [...]
Thousands of people in Greater Manchester thanked for taking part in the world’s largest trial of a cancer screening blood test
As hundreds of thousands of NHS-Galleri trial blood test appointments across England come to a close, a leader from the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance is thanking the 20,000 participants in Greater Manchester along with community organisations, for supporting the NHS-Galleri trial – the world's largest research trial of a multi-cancer early detection blood test. Mobile clinics have visited locations across the region, including Oldham, Salford, [...]
People affected by cancer across Greater Manchester can now access high-quality health apps thanks to a new website
Top quality health apps to support residents across Greater Manchester to live well with and after cancer will now be available on a new, NHS-approved health app library. Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, part of the NHS, and ORCHA, the Organisation for the Review of Care and Health Apps, which reviews health apps for the NHS, have worked together on the new app library. Members [...]
Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance announces appointment of new Medical Director
The Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance has appointed a new Medical Director, Miss Susannah Penney. Susannah is a consultant head, neck and thyroid surgeon at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, a position she has held since 2012. She has also held the post of Associate Medical Director for the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance since 2018, following three years as clinical lead for the head and neck cancer pathway. [...]
Lung MOTs come to some GP surgeries in Oldham from mid-July
Smokers and former smokers aged 55-74 years based at doctors’ surgeries in parts of Oldham will be invited for a lung health check this summer. The quick, free checks can help find lung cancer at an early stage – before you might have any symptoms - when it is much more treatable and help save lives. The mobile clinic will initially be parked at Tesco, [...]
Lung MOTs available in Reddish, Brinnington, Woodley and Bredbury
Smokers and former smokers aged 55-74 years based at doctors’ surgeries in parts of in Reddish, Brinnington, Woodley or Bredbury will be invited for a lung health check later this summer (due to start 10 July 2024). The quick, free checks can help find lung cancer at an early stage – before you might have any symptoms - when it is much more treatable and help save [...]
Lung MOTs come to Rochdale and Middleton
Current and former cigarette and shisha smokers aged 55-74 years based at doctors’ surgeries in parts of Rochdale and Middleton will be invited for a lung health check this summer. The quick, free checks can help find lung cancer at an early stage – before you might have any symptoms - when it is much more treatable and help save lives. Most visitors to the lung health [...]
Don’t ignore the burn: NHS launches new cancer awareness campaign in Greater Manchester
A new campaign is being launched by the NHS in Greater Manchester to raise awareness of the link between heartburn, indigestion and gullet cancer. Heartburn – a burning sensation in the middle of your chest – and indigestion – a pain or discomfort in your tummy - might sometimes be shrugged off or put down to drinking too much alcohol or something you have eaten. But the [...]
Staff helping to improve lives and treatment for people affected by cancer scoop awards
Healthcare staff, community workers and university staff - all helping to improve the lives and treatment for people affected by cancer - have been honoured at the Greater Manchester Cancer Awards 2024. Winning projects included a research project looking into a rare cancer which has had no new treatments available over the past 30 years and a community project aiming to change perceptions of cancer from “big [...]
Car park lung health checks come to Brooklands and Northenden
Lung MOTS for past and current smokers aged 55-74 years have now started for people registered with a GP practice in Northenden and Brooklands. The Lung Health Checks help spot lung cancer early often before people have any symptoms. The mobile Targeted Lung Health Check clinic is based at Wythenshawe Forum. Current and former smokers aged 55-74 will be sent an invite by letter or text [...]
Lung MOTs will arrive soon in Farnworth and Kearsley in Bolton
A mobile health clinic will be arriving in Farnworth and Kearsley to offer past and current smokers aged 55–74 a free Lung Health Check from Saturday 22 June. It will operate 6 days a week (Monday to Saturday) from 8am to 8pm to ensure that appointments are accessible to everyone who’s invited. Patients will be informed of the location in an invitation letter or text message. [...]
Irlam lady urges others to take up the Lung Health Check that saved her life
An Irlam lady is urging people in Salford to take up their free NHS lung health checks after her check-up saved her life. The NHS in Salford is offering free Lung Health Checks to past and current smokers aged 55 to 74 who are registered with a GP in the Eccles and Irlam areas. Eligible people will be contacted by letter and invited for an appointment. [...]
Lung MOTs come to Heywood
A mobile health clinic will be arriving in Heywood to offer past and current smokers aged 55–74 a free Lung Health Check. From 2 April a clinic will be housed in a mobile unit at Heywood Sports Village, West Starkey Street, Heywood, offering the checks. It will operate 6 days a week (Monday to Saturday) from 8am to 8pm to ensure that appointments are accessible to everyone [...]
Greater Manchester Cancer Awards 2024 – finalists announced
The finalists have been announced for the 2024 Greater Manchester Cancer Awards organised by Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance. The awards honour outstanding work to improve lives and treatment for people affected by cancer in Greater Manchester. 70 entries were received for this year’s Greater Manchester Cancer Awards across six categories. Entries came from teams in the NHS, research, voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE), [...]
Ovarian cancer – know the signs
A FORMER headteacher from Greater Manchester who is living with ovarian cancer wants more women to know the signs and symptoms of the cancer. Gill Broom, 62, originally from Bramhall, Stockport, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in November 2020. Gill, who now lives in Clitheroe, is a volunteer with the Dianne Oxberry Trust - a charity focused on raising awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms [...]
Lung MOTs come to central Wigan
A mobile health clinic will be arriving in central Wigan to offer past and current smokers aged 55–74 a free Lung Health Check later this month (March). A scanner and clinic will be housed in a mobile unit at Robin Park Leisure Centre and Arena, Loire Drive, Newtown, Wigan, WN5. It will operate 6 days a week (Monday to Saturday) from 8am to 8pm to ensure that [...]
Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance shortlisted for the 2024 HSJ Digital Awards – celebrating excellence in digitising, connecting, and transforming health and care
Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance is delighted to announce that our Workforce and Education Team has been shortlisted for the Digital Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award at the 2024 HSJ Digital Awards. The awards recognise innovative digital projects that transform care delivery, enhance efficiency, and improve patient outcomes. 343 entries have been received for this year’s Digital Awards, with 165 projects and individuals meriting inclusion on [...]
Dawn made the move from working in war zones to becoming a Cancer Clinical Specialist Nurse
National Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Day 2024 today (Friday 15 March 2024). To mark the day we spoke with Dawn Turner who is a Rapid Diagnostic Centre Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist at Tameside Macmillan Unit, Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care Trust. Dawn first started her CNS career journey as an associate CNS in 2019 and then entered her current role in 2021. Dawn [...]
Agenda announced for Greater Manchester Cancer Conference 2024
An exciting agenda has been announced for this year’s Greater Manchester Cancer Conference which takes place on 14 and 15 May 2024 at the Hilton Manchester Deansgate. Speakers will include Dame Cally Palmer, National Cancer Director for NHS England, Dr Manisha Kumar, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Greater Manchester, and Rob Bellingham Director of Primary Care and Strategic Commissioning, NHS Greater Manchester. Day one will [...]
10GM Cancer and Inequalities Fund 2024
Do you know a voluntary, community or social enterprise organisation (VCSE) that would like to help play a part in increasing early cancer diagnosis rates in underserved communities in Greater Manchester? The 10GM Cancer and Inequalities fund is offering grants of up to £5,000 for Greater Manchester-based VCSE organisations to deliver projects that will raise awareness of the early signs and symptoms of cancer and [...]
Cancer Research UK Talk Cancer sessions
Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance has commissioned some Talk Cancer sessions from Cancer Research UK to train and give confidence to people in their ability to talk about cancer in their communities. The training is open to staff working in the NHS in Greater Manchester. The Talk Cancer training will help you to: Understand key messages around cancer awareness Talk to people about how they could reduce their [...]
Life after oesophageal cancer: David’s story
David Jones-Stanley is a 49-year-old operations director who lives in Wigan. He has been with his husband James for 28 years and the pair have 3 boys – aged 19, 13 and 11. David, who volunteers as a patient representative for the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance was diagnosed with stage 3 food pipe (oesophageal) cancer in October 2021. He didn’t have a lot of the traditional symptoms like heartburn [...]
Stop. Look. Listen… can you spot the five signs of stomach and gullet cancer?
To support World Cancer Day and raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of stomach and gullet cancer (also known as upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancer) in the City of Salford, a new campaign called Stop. Look. Listen… to Your Body has been launched. The campaign aims to educate Salford men over 40 about the importance of being persistent if they notice ongoing symptoms and to encourage them [...]
“I know I couldn’t have done any more to catch my cancer early”
A legal secretary from Oldham is urging others to make sure they attend their cervical screening test as she prepares for cancer treatment. Laura Hope, 35, from Failsworth, went for her cervical screening appointment (also known as a smear test) at her GP practice in October last year. A few weeks later she got a letter informing her that the test had shown high-risk human papilloma virus [...]
Bus drivers bare all to raise awareness of cancer
BUS drivers in Greater Manchester have been stripping off to produce not one but two cheeky calendars for 2024! The naked calendars featuring Stagecoach Manchester staff will raise money to support breast cancer and prostate cancer charities. Staff hope they’ll also act as a year-long reminder for people to be aware of the signs and symptoms of cancer and to get checked out if they notice something [...]
Car park lung health checks move to Leigh
Past and current smokers in Leigh aged between 55–74 years old are being invited to have an NHS Lung Health Check in a drive to save more lives. A mobile health clinic has been stationed at Tesco in Hindley since mid-November where more than 3102 people have benefitted from a Lung Health Check. Now the service will be available at Tesco Extra in Leigh from Monday 22 [...]
Our Be Seen, Get Screened Pledge
Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance has recently signed up to the ‘Bee Seen, Get Screened’ pledge, in partnership with Answer Cancer, the Greater Manchester Screening Engagement Programme. This pledge guarantees that staff will be able to attend cancer screening appointments during work hours, if unable to get an appointment at a different time. Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance is supporting Answer Cancer’s engagement strategy by raising [...]
Greater Manchester Cancer Awards 2024 – now open
The Greater Manchester Cancer Awards 2024 are now open for entries. The awards, brought to you by the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, honour outstanding work to improve lives and treatment for people affected by cancer in Greater Manchester. The Greater Manchester Cancer Awards are now open for entry. They are open to teams in NHS, research, voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE), and [...]
Car park lung health checks launched in drive to save more lives in Wythenshawe
Past and current smokers in parts of Wythenshawe aged between 55–74 years old are being invited to have an NHS Lung Health Check. The new checks are the latest phase of the Greater Manchester Targeted Lung Health Check Programme – a drive to help improve earlier diagnosis of lung cancer and save more lives. The programme is jointly organised by the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance and Manchester [...]
Volunteers in Manchester and Trafford are returning one last time to help NHS trial new cancer screening blood test
Over the coming weeks, hundreds of participants in Manchester and Trafford who enrolled on the NHS-Galleri trial in 2021 will be returning to mobile clinics for their last of three appointments for the trial. Participants will be asked to give a blood sample to help the NHS see if using the Galleri® blood test alongside existing cancer screening can help detect cancer early. Finding cancer early often [...]
The Greater Manchester Cancer Conference is back
The Greater Manchester Cancer Conference will be held on 14 and 15 May 2024 at the Hilton Manchester Deansgate. The event is organised by the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance. This year’s theme is Empowerment in Practice: Communities, Professionals and Researchers. The Greater Manchester Cancer Conference will be held on 14 - 15 May 2024 The event will explore topics such as digital empowerment, [...]
Tesco car park lung health checks launched in Hindley in drive to save more lives
Past and current smokers in Hindley in Wigan aged between 55–74 years old are being invited to have an NHS Lung Health Check. The new checks are the latest phase of the Greater Manchester Targeted Lung Health Check Programme - a drive to help improve earlier diagnosis of lung cancer and save more lives. The programme is jointly organised by the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance and Manchester [...]
Mum shares the signs and symptoms of breast cancer after undergoing 10 months of treatment during the pandemic
Carina Doveaston, a business manager, from Wigan, is sharing her experience to raise awareness during Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October. Carina, 37, from Lowton, Wigan, was diagnosed with an aggressive type of breast cancer – known as triple negative breast cancer - in January 2021. Carina Doveaston, a mum of one and business manager, from Wigan The mum-of-one went to her GP after noticing [...]
Jo’s dedication to raising awareness of metastatic breast cancer sees her nominated for award
Oldham mum of two nominated for special award by Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance An Oldham mum-of-two has been nominated for a prestigious This Is Manchester Award by her colleagues at Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance. Jo Taylor, who is living with metastatic breast cancer – also known as secondary breast cancer - has been nominated for the Dianne Oxberry Special Impact Award. It marks her tireless work to [...]
Volunteers in Oldham are returning one last time to help NHS trial new cancer screening blood test
Over the coming weeks, hundreds of participants in Oldham who enrolled on the NHS-Galleri trial in 2021 will be returning to mobile clinics for their last of three appointments for the trial. Participants will be asked to give a blood sample to help the NHS see if using the Galleri® blood test alongside existing cancer screening can help detect cancer early. Finding cancer early often means it [...]
NHS Urges People In Greater Manchester To Come Forward for Life Saving Cancer Checks
People in Greater Manchester who have had a cough for three weeks or more are being encouraged to contact their GP practice and come forward for lifesaving checks as part of an NHS campaign. The ‘Help Us, Help You’ campaign from NHS England uses TV, radio, online adverts and social media to increase knowledge of the main symptom of lung cancer. The ads feature people with a [...]
‘We need to normalise conversations about cancer and life after cancer’
Mum-of-three Tracey is on a mission to help improve conversations about cancer after being treated for womb cancer. Tracey Jacques, 52, credits one small bit of knowledge with saving her life. The HR officer – who has recently finished treatment for womb cancer - went through the menopause at age 47 when her periods stopped. Tracey says women need to talk about their vaginas and [...]
Hale business owner opens up about rare type of blood cancer to raise awareness
A HALE business owner and mum-of-one has opened up about living with a rare blood cancer to help raise awareness during Blood Cancer Awareness Month in September. Faye Bala, 38, has been living with Essential Thrombocythaemia (ET) a type of blood cancer that affects the bone marrow since she was 16. But it’s only been in the last year that’s she’s started openly talking about this with her friends [...]
Volunteers in Greater Manchester are returning one last time to help NHS trial new cancer screening blood test
Over the coming months, thousands of participants in Greater Manchester who enrolled on the NHS-Galleri trial in 2021 will be returning to mobile clinics for their last of three appointments for the trial. Participants will be asked to give a blood sample to help the NHS see if using the Galleri® blood test alongside existing cancer screening can help detect cancer early. Finding cancer early often means it [...]
Check your cancer risk and be aware – new NHS mobile van comes to Oldham
A new NHS mobile ‘clinic in a van’ is coming to Oldham so staff can talk to men about their risk of prostate cancer. The ThisVanCan roadshow is aimed at black men aged over 45 who are more at risk of developing prostate cancer than other men. 1 in 4 black men will develop prostate cancer. The van is also open to all other men and people with [...]
NHS Partners with Morrisons in Greater Manchester To Put Vital Cancer Awareness Messaging On Underwear Labels
From today (Monday 21 August) Morrisons shoppers in Greater Manchester will find NHS advice on underwear labels urging them to contact their GP practice if they spot potential symptoms of breast or testicular cancer. The Nutmeg branded underwear featuring NHS advice will be in 240 Morrisons stores nationwide, including in nine stores in Greater Manchester. The labels will first appear in boxer shorts, followed by crop top bras in [...]
‘My beard was covering a lump that turned out to be cancer’
A father-of-two from Bolton discovered a lump in his neck that turned out to be throat cancer after shaving off his beard. Tex Leece, 50, of Farnworth, Bolton, who used to play semi pro football in his spare time and has completed 9 Ironman triathlon events, was known for being very fit and healthy. So when his wife, Jo, noticed a small lump in his neck, after he [...]
‘Cancer ended my Olympic ambitions, but now I help other patients’
A ROCHDALE entrepreneur and mum-of-one who survived osteosarcoma - a type of bone cancer – now works to help others going through cancer. Maria Lawal, 29, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in February 2008 when she was 14 after discovering a lump in the femur bone of her left thigh. Maria who was a keen 150 metre sprinter and had competed in training for the youth Olympics, went to [...]
‘I was told I might never run again, but I’ve just completed Ironman’
A POLICE OFFICER feared he might never run again after being diagnosed with two different types of cancer within just two months. John Haywood, from Bury, was devastated when he was diagnosed with a rare sarcoma on his ankle in September 2019. Then a month later came the bombshell that he also had Hodgkin lymphoma – a type blood cancer. The 49-year-old had two operations on his [...]
Do you know how often you need to re-apply sun cream to give you protection this summer?
NHS staff from Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance spoke to visitors about how to stay safe in the sun at Tatton Flower Show last week. Using a sun cream of SPF30 or above is one of the best things that people can do to reduce their chances of getting skin cancer. But it’s important to reapply it frequently throughout the day – even with products labelled ‘once a day’. [...]
Go for your mammogram – it’s definitely worth it!
A DOG SITTER from Leigh is encouraging women to go for their mammograms - when they are invited - to help catch breast cancer early. Romanian-born Mihaela Atkinson, 52, from Leigh, was invited for her first mammogram in March. With her wife Sue working at Manchester NHS Foundation Trust in cancer trials, Mihaela knew how important it was to take up the screening. Mihaela Atkinson [...]
“It’s like the TARDIS. You’d expect The Doctor to walk out.”
From the outside, the Targeted Lunch Health Check (TLHC) mobile unit looks like nondescript van parked outside your local supermarket. Inside, it is a sleek series of rooms, a pathway cleverly designed to lead you through a lung health check process that normally takes several hospital visits. “I received one of those general letters to get my lungs checked,” said Andrew Potts, aged 60. “I’m a smoker. [...]
Tameside volunteers return to help NHS trial new cancer screening test
Hundreds of volunteers from Tameside will be invited to return to a mobile clinic over the coming weeks for their second appointment as part of the NHS-Galleri trial. Participants will be asked to give another blood sample to help investigate whether a multi-cancer blood screening test can help to detect cancer early before symptoms appear. Since the NHS-Galleri trial first arrived in Tameside in June 2022 [...]
“Don’t be like me, you don’t want to go through what I’ve been through” – the survivor throwing his support behind an NHS sun safety campaign
Neville, from Stockport, is urging people to stay safe in the sun and protect themselves from skin cancer. Neville, from Stockport, was diagnosed with melanoma, a type of skin cancer, in September last year, and is urging people to stay safe in the sun and protect themselves from skin cancer. Grandfather-of-four Neville Jennings was a self-confessed sun worshipper before a shocking skin cancer diagnosis. [...]
Stephen encourages people with learning disabilities to use their Bowel Cancer Home Testing Kit
A BURY man with a learning disability is supporting a campaign to urge others with similar conditions to use their Bowel Cancer Home Testing Kit. Each month, the NHS posts out more than half a million free Faecal Immunochemical Test kits (FIT) to people to use in the privacy of their homes. The test can detect early signs of bowel cancer. Stephen Owen, 64, [...]
Check your prostate cancer risk and be aware – new NHS roadshow comes to Greater Manchester
PUBLISHED 30 MARCH 2023:A new NHS mobile ‘clinic in a van’ is set to tour Greater Manchester to talk to men about their risk of prostate cancer. The ThisVanCan roadshow is for black men aged over 45 who are more at risk of developing prostate cancer than other men. 1 in 4 black men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime. The van is also [...]
Trafford bowel cancer survivor backs new NHS Campaign to Urge People To use Their Bowel Cancer Home Testing Kit
People in Greater Manchester, who have been sent a lifesaving home testing kit that can detect early signs of bowel cancer, are being encouraged to use it and return it, as part of a new, first of a kind NHS campaign. The NHS national campaign – which sees adverts across TV, radio and social media, aims to increase uptake of the home testing kit to ensure [...]
Prostate cancer awareness month – check your risk
March is prostate cancer awareness month. 1 in 4 black men, and 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime. The risk is higher in men over 50 and those with a family history of prostate cancer. Prostate Cancer UK has produced an online risk checker, to improve awareness of risk factors and promote early diagnosis. Mr Motivator encourages men to use the [...]
New NHS Campaign Urges People To use Their Bowel Cancer Home Testing Kit
Millions of people in England, who have been sent a lifesaving home testing kit that can detect early signs of bowel cancer, are being encouraged to use it and return it, as part of a new, first of a kind NHS campaign. New NHS Campaign urges people to use their bowel cancer home testing kit Launching today across TV, radio, video on demand and [...]
“Go for your cervical screening test – it really could save your life”
Cancer survivor Hayley from Stockport is speaking out about having cervical cancer to raise awareness during Cervical Cancer Prevention Week which runs from 23 to 29 January. Hayley Lewis, a support worker, from Stockport, booked her routine cervical screening test (often known as a ‘smear test’) in January last year after receiving her invite from the NHS. Hayley Lewis from Stockport The busy mum-of-one had [...]
Cancer Patient Experience Survey (CPES) 2022
National Cancer Patient Experience Survey 2022 At the NHS, we want our patients to have the best experience possible. With this in mind, continuous patient feedback is really important to helping us deliver what patients want and need. Therefore, the national Cancer Patient Experience Survey (CPES) asks for feedback from cancer patients (16 years and over*), to improve local cancer services across England. The NHS and cancer charities use the [...]
Manchester volunteers return to help NHS trial new cancer screening test
Hundreds of volunteers from across Hulme are being invited to return to mobile clinics over the coming days for their second appointment as part of the NHS-Galleri trial. Participants will be asked to give another blood sample to help investigate whether a multi-cancer blood screening test can help to detect cancer early before symptoms appear. If successful, the NHS plans to roll out the test to [...]
1000 health workers in Greater Manchester to get crucial training to support cancer patients
MORE than 1,000 workers currently employed in an Allied Health Professional (AHP) role in Greater Manchester are set to benefit from Allies in Cancer Care training. Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has awarded a £1.2 million contract to the University of Salford to launch the Allies in Cancer Care training programme, which is part of the three-year Skills for Growth programme and has been made possible through the [...]
Breast cancer survivor urges those with symptoms to seek help even at Christmas
This Christmas marks 29 years since Carol Bryant, from Glossop, found a lump in her breast which turned out to be breast cancer. Thankfully Carol, who was just 30 at the time, went to her GP on Christmas Eve and went on to have successful treatment. Now the mum-of-two is urging those with symptoms they are worried about to make time for themselves – even during the [...]
More projects to help patients with cancer are highlighted at the first ever Greater Manchester Cancer Awards
We're shining the spotlight on four more winning teams who have been honoured in the Greater Manchester Cancer Awards. Our awards pay tribute to some of the important work being done by doctors, nurses, healthcare workers and researchers in Greater Manchester to improve lives and treatments for people affected by cancer. Claire O’Rourke Managing Director of GM Cancer Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater [...]
Projects to help patients with cancer are celebrated at the first ever Greater Manchester Cancer Awards
Doctors, nurses, healthcare workers and researchers have been honoured by the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance at the first-ever Greater Manchester Cancer Awards. This December we look back at some of the worthy winners from October. The Greater Manchester Cancer Awards pay tribute to some of the important work being done in Greater Manchester to improve lives and treatments for people affected by cancer. They recognise the collaborative [...]
Salford volunteers return to help NHS trial new cancer screening test
Hundreds of volunteers from across Salford are being invited to return to mobile clinics over the coming weeks for their second appointment as part of the NHS-Galleri trial. Participants will be asked to give another blood sample to help investigate whether a multi-cancer blood screening test can help to detect cancer early before symptoms appear. 20,000 people from across Greater Manchester, including people in Salford, have [...]
Two women with lung cancer who have never smoked speak out to help others
When Sally Hayton, from Bury, was told she had lung cancer at age 49, at first, she thought it couldn’t be true. After all, she had never smoked. “I had this idea that lung cancer was something that only happened to older people who had smoked 50 cigarettes every day, all their lives,” she said. “I’d never smoked so I didn’t think I could ever get it!” [...]
Winners announced at the first ever Greater Manchester Cancer Awards
Back to Latest News The winners have been announced for the first ever Greater Manchester Cancer Awards. Organised by the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, the awards honour the outstanding work being done across Greater Manchester to improve lives and treatment for people affected by cancer. The Greater Manchester Cancer Awards honoured some of the amazing work going on in patient care, innovation, education and research [...]
Mum-of-three Nikki wants everyone to know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer
Nikki Taylor, of Dukinfield, Tameside, is speaking out about her diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer to raise awareness during Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October. Nikki Taylor, of Dukinfield, Tameside, is encouraging others to be aware of breast cancer symptoms. Nikki Taylor, 52, of Tameside, was diagnosed with breast cancer in February this year (2022). The mother-of-three spotted a dint in her [...]
Your Voice: Shaping the way we work – report out now!
Earlier this year we announced that we would be working with Mustard Research, an award winning, independent market research agency, to gather views on our User Involvement Programme and how we ensure the programme works effectively and is accessible for all. The Your Voice report is out now Since the end of May we have been conducting research via focus groups, one-to-one interviews, [...]
Giant lung roadshow coming to Manchester as residents encouraged to ‘talk lung cancer’
If you’re heading down to Gorton on Monday 3 October or Salford on 7 October, you might spot something you weren’t expecting… The NHS, in collaboration with Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, is touring the country with a giant pair of 12ft high lungs to raise awareness of lung cancer symptoms and start much-needed conversations around the disease. The Roy Castle Foundation is touring the [...]
Greater Manchester Cancer Awards – shortlist announced
The shortlist has been announced for the first ever Greater Manchester Cancer Awards organised by Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance. The awards will honour outstanding work to improve lives and treatment for people affected by cancer in Greater Manchester. A panel of judges – including patient representatives and staff working in cancer from across the city – whittled down around 50 entries to a final shortlist. [...]
‘Drop-in’ chest x-ray service intended to catch lung cancer early continues in Manchester
Bury, Heywood, Rochdale and Middleton residents are still able to get a hassle-free chest x-ray at their local hospital without booking an appointment. Since the COVID pandemic hit, the NHS has reported that the number of people coming into hospitals to get checked for lung cancer has significantly reduced. In a bid to avoid unnecessary illness, catch the killer early, and offer treatment to anyone who may need it, [...]
Father-of-four who was successfully treated for blood cancer urges others to go to their GP ‘if something is not right’
Jonathan Smith who was successfully treated for blood cancer is raising awareness during Blood Cancer Awareness Month this September. September is also Blood Cancer Awareness Month. It also marks one year since father-of-four Jonathan Smith, from Hale, completed successful treatment for acute myeloid leukaemia – a type of blood cancer. Now Jonathan is joining Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance to encourage people to make sure they [...]
Greater Manchester volunteers return to help NHS trial new cancer screening test
Back to Latest News Hundreds of volunteers from across Greater Manchester – including Oldham, Salford, Manchester, Trafford, Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale, Wigan, Bury, Bolton, Stockport, Tameside and Glossop - will be invited to return to mobile clinics over the coming weeks for their second appointment as part of the NHS-Galleri trial. Staff in front of a mobile unit which is coming to Greater Manchester as [...]
2020 – 2021 Cancer Alliance Report published
2020 - 2021 Cancer Alliance Report published 29 July 2022 Today Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance publishes a two year report covering work that has taken place across our Alliance during 2020 and 2021. The report considers some of the challenges and subsequent measures brought about during the pandemic, in addition to innovative and progressive projects across our cancer pathways to improve the outcomes and experiences of people affected by cancer [...]
Greater Manchester Cancer Awards open for entries
Greater Manchester Cancer Awards open for entries July 2022 The Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance is delighted to announce that the first ever Greater Manchester Cancer Awards are now open for entries. The Cancer Alliance wants to celebrate the teams across our cancer network and their dedication to go above and beyond every day to improve outcomes and experiences for people affected by cancer here in Greater Manchester. Six categories have [...]
“Drop-in” chest x-rays launch in Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale
New “drop-in” x-ray service launches for Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale residents with on-going coughs in a bid to catch cancer early Friday 08 July 2022 NHS teams are encouraging members of the public with lingering chest symptoms to get them checked out via a new, no-appointment necessary service at their local hospital. Launching on Monday 11 July, members of the public from Bury, Heywood, Rochdale and Middleton are able to [...]
“Drop-in” chest x-rays launch in Bury
New “drop-in” x-ray service launches for Bury residents with on-going coughs in a bid to catch cancer early Friday 08 July 2022 NHS teams are encouraging members of the public with lingering chest symptoms to get them checked out via a new, no-appointment necessary service at their local hospital. Launching on Monday 11 July, members of the public from Bury, Heywood, Rochdale and Middleton are able to attend their local [...]
User Involvement Newsletter 2
Issue 2, Spring 2022 Welcome to the second edition of our Greater Manchester Cancer User Involvement newsletter. We hope you enjoyed issue one, and found it a useful way to keep in touch with the work that's been going on. As you all are aware, we’re looking at how we can do things better, and in our recent survey, better communication was asked for. You asked, and [...]
Cancer Appointments are Continuing – Please Attend if you are asked to
Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance is reassuring people that it is still safe to attend cancer appointments. Cancer has been a priority throughout the pandemic and the NHS will continue to prioritise cancer services as we manage the Omicron wave. Cancer assessment and treatments will continue, and people are being urged to keep their appointments. Measures are in place to help protect patients and staff and it is important to not delay cancer [...]
The Princess Royal visits Greater Manchester Prehabilitation Programme to Commend Positive Impact on Cancer Patients
Back to Latest News Princess Anne met with staff and patients on her visit to the specialist cancer programme. As Patron of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, Her Royal Highness alongside Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham and representatives from the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, was introduced to a number of staff working on the specialist cancer programme, including exercise specialists, people affected by cancer enrolled on [...]
Greater Manchester Cancer Community joins forces with Renowned Manchester Poet to mark World Cancer Day
Cancer doctors, researchers and patients from across Greater Manchester have joined forces with Manchester poet Tony Walsh this World Cancer Day, to highlight their continued commitment to cancer services, despite the on-going pandemic. The cancer community across the region is vast, ranging from cancer nurses, to pathologists, scientists, radiologists, administration teams and managers, all playing a role in providing the best care and treatment possible to those affected. [...]
Episode 4: Inspirations
Episode 4: Your inspirations - What drives YOU to make a difference? In this special end of year episode, we turn the podcast over to you to find out what drives you to make a difference every day. Presenter Steve Bland speaks to four people doing very different jobs across Greater Manchester and explores the personal experiences that give them extra motivation to make an impact. Claire Goldrick tells Steve [...]
Episode 3: HPV vaccine
Episode 3: Understanding the HPV vaccine In episode three, Steve Bland reflects on the study published in the Lancet that found that the HPV vaccine has cut cases of cervical cancer by almost 90 per cent (HPV vaccine cutting cervical cancer by nearly 90% - BBC News). But it's not just cervical cancer that's caused by HPV. In fact. many head and neck cancers are also related to the virus. Steve [...]
Episode 2: The NHS-Galleri Trial
Episode 2: The Future: The NHS-Galleri Trial In episode two of our podcast, Steve Bland explores the exciting new Galleri trial announced by NHS England and healthcare company GRAIL UK, which could see a single blood test used to spot the early signs of 50 cancers, including some of the most difficult to diagnose and detect. The trial is being rolled out in eight parts of the country, and one [...]
Episode 1: Cancer and COVID-19
Episode 1: Cancer and COVID-19 Welcome to the new Greater Manchester Cancer podcast! In the first episode of our new podcast series, presenter Steve Bland finds out how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected cancer services in Greater Manchester by chatting to Professor David Shackley, the Medical Director of our Cancer Alliance, Kirsty Rowlinson-Groves, from the Prehab4Cancer Programme, and patient Charmain Sangster who was diagnosed with thyroid cancer during the first [...]