Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance is launching a new This Van Can initiative 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, 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 6 weeks, visiting each locality for 3 days. The van will be running from Monday-Saturday. Operating hours will generally be 10:00am-18:00pm 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 The Dianne Oxberry and Target Ovarian and other assets to support in the delivery of the aims.
When and where?
The project will launch on the 24th of February in Trafford at Sale Town Hall 10.00am.
How can you support?
The Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance comms 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 and leaflets are available and can be provided to you if able to support. Please email gmcancer.comms@nhs.net to request these items. More information 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 / gmcancer.earlydiagnosis-primarycare@nhs.net
Workforce resources
Ovarian Cancer Education Toolkit
Greater Manchester Cancer Academy Education
The Greater Manchester Cancer Academy offers a range of gynaecological cancer specific education to support primary and secondary care professionals across Greater Manchester.
Cancer Academy On-demand Education
An on-demand, case based half day educational event focusing on the recognition and detection of gynaecological cancer in primary care.
- Improving Early Diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer Webinar
An on-demand webinar that includes an overview of ovarian cancer in the UK, signs and symptoms, investigations, case based discussion.
GatewayC Resources
GatewayC has a range of gynaecological cancer early diagnosis resources to support primary care professionals across Greater Manchester.
Greater Manchester cancer resources
Dr Nadia Ali-Ross, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, shares essential gynaecological cancer early diagnosis insights in just 10 minutes including red flag symptoms, key investigations, and unscheduled bleeding on HRT.
An infographic for guidance when referring patients on a suspected cancer pathway in Greater Manchester.
A bite-sized fast facts video to refresh your knowledge on persistent symptoms, abnormal bleeding, CA125, examinations and family history.
Free CPD course
A 1-hour CPD course featuring insights from leading clinical specialists and interactive learning with patient cases to increase your confidence when referring on a suspected cancer pathway.
Podcast
GPs Sarah and Rebecca chat patient cases, investigating bloating and abdominal pain, CA125 and more to support you.
NICE Guidelines
All NICE products on ovarian cancer. Includes any guidance, advice and quality standards.