Information for Primary Care Professionals
Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance are launching a new This Van Can roadshow which will be touring Greater Manchester to raise awareness about the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer.
The project is a result of a collaborative approach between the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance Early Diagnosis Team, the Gynaecology Pathway Board, patient groups and the Dianne Oxberry Trust and Target Ovarian Cancer.
What is the Van Aiming to do?
Visiting all 10 Greater Manchester localities and targeting areas within each that have a higher density of late-stage diagnosis, the van aims to deliver a number of key messages, including:
- signs and symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
- awareness of testing – CA125 and Ultrasound test
- accessing primary care
- pathway de-mystifying
How will it work?
The van will be on the road for six weeks, visiting each locality for 3 days. The van will be running from Monday-Saturday. Operating hours will generally be 10:00-18:00 with some exceptions.
Sites that provide high footfall in areas with a greater density of late-stage diagnosis will be targeted for maximum engagement.
Specially trained brand ambassadors onboard the van will engage with the public to deliver the key messaging, encouraging those with worrying symptoms to attend primary care. The van will be stocked with a variety of Ovarian cancer leaflets and symptom diaries provided by Dianne Oxberry and Target Ovarian and other assets to support in the delivery of the aims.
When and where?
The project will launch 24th of February 2025 in Trafford. See here for more information and up to date information of the schedules as they are agreed.
How can you support?
The Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance Communications and Engagement team will be promoting the van as it moves around with a targeted social media campaign. We would be grateful of your support in promoting this further in practices and online. A social media toolkit, as well as posters to print out and use in your surgeries, a digital screen advert and email signature are available on the team’s Campaigns Resource Centre. Please email gmcancer.comms@nhs.net if you would like any posters posting to your practice also. More information about the project overall including timetables can also be found at www.thisvancan.co.uk.
As the van travels around we would welcome support from locality colleagues at events to amplify the messaging and assist our ambassadors. If you are interested in attending one of the events, please contact Pathway Improvement Manager, Caitlin Hudson Caitlin.hudson1@nhs.net.
I have questions / feedback – who can I contact?
Please send any questions / feedback to gmcancer.comms@nhs.net / Caitlin Hudson Caitlin.hudson1@nhs.net.
Workforce resources
- Posters, social media assets and digital screens can be found on our Campaigns Resource Centre
- There is a text message which can be sent out to your patients adding the nearest local venue(s).The NHS Ovarian Cancer awareness roadshow, “This Van Can”, will be visiting … on … between the hours of approximately 10am-6pm. Visit the van to find out about the symptoms of ovarian cancer, (and what you should do if you have them). Finding ovarian cancer early can make all the difference. PLEASE NOTE CLINICAL TESTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE ON THE VAN, but we can advise you on how to discuss any concerns regarding ovarian cancer with your GP. If you are concerned or would like to know more, please visit the below helpful links: www.thisvancan.co.uk