Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. According to Cancer Research UK, 1 in 2 people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. Every year around 19,500 people in Wales are diagnosed with cancer.
Cancer survival in Wales is improving, with 58.5% of people surviving their cancer for five years or more. But there is more to be done to accelerate progress so that 3 in 4 people survive their cancer by 2034.
Early diagnosis of cancer focuses on detecting symptomatic patients as early as possible so they have the best chance for successful treatment. When cancer care is delayed or inaccessible there is a lower chance of survival and increased problems associated with treatment.
Lingen Davies Cancer Champions empower and encourage people in their community to take up cancer screening invitations, spot early signs and symptoms and seek help.
They also feedback any common barriers to early reporting and uptake of cancer screening identified in communities. Concerns are documented and passed on with the aim of enhancing future provision of services.
Helen Davies, Powys Cancer Champions Coordinator, recruits, trains and supports volunteers to become Cancer Champions and have sensitive conversations about the importance of early cancer diagnosis with friends, family, colleagues and clients.
Newtown-based Helen said: “Spotting cancer early saves lives. Treatment is usually less complex and outcomes are better.
“By working with volunteer Cancer Champions who are trusted members of existing communities and who can have informed conversations about cancer screening as part of their everyday lives, we hope to increase screening awareness and uptake.
“We have already trained Cancer Champions from a variety of groups such as Kaleidoscope, The Rural Crime team and Celf Able as well as individuals.”
We discussed four common barriers to accessing screening and services.
1. Myths
Numerous myths circulate about the causes of cancer. Mobile phone use, eating burnt food, and using plastic bottles to name a few. But no evidence exists of any of these factors increasing your risk of cancer.
It is vital people use reliable sources of information. Cancer Research UK explain the truth about these myths and more here.
Helen says: “Understanding the truth is crucial. Cancer Champions learn about up to date research aiming to dispel myths and provide accurate information.”
2. Embarrassment
Cancer symptoms often go unchecked due to embarrassment. People wrongly feel ashamed discussing some of the signs - but it can be life-saving.
Macmillan Cancer Support advises signs and symptoms to look out for include: bowel changes; problems peeing; penis and testicle problems; breast, chest or nipple changes; vulva and vagina problems.
You can find Macmillan's full list of signs and symptoms here.
Helen says: “Cancer Champions aim to break down barriers by empowering people to have difficult conversations.”
3. Misconceptions
Cancer screening is a vital part of the detection process for everyone - whether they have symptoms or not.
“Many people do not understand cancer screening is for people without symptoms and can spot cancer before any signs are noticeable,” Helen says.
“For example, according to Cancer Research UK almost all women diagnosed with breast cancer survive the disease for 5 years or more if diagnosed at the earliest stage.”
Currently people living in Powys are offered screening for bowel, breast and cervical cancer.
People aged 51-74 automatically receive a free NHS bowel screening test kit every two years. The kit is designed to measure how much blood is in your poo and can be completed at home. Once you have sent your test back, your results will be with you within two weeks.
Women aged from 50 up to 70 are invited for breast screening every 3 years. Screening involves taking mammograms - x-rays of the breast. Women aged 70 and over will not be invited for screening, but can contact Breast Test Wales and ask for an appointment.
Women and people with a cervix aged between 25 and 64 are able to have cervical screening in Wales. The test looks for high-risk types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) that can cause cell changes on the cervix. Finding cell changes can prevent cervical cancer from developing.
You can find more information here.
Helen says: “Education around this is a key part of a Cancer Champion’s mission to help to raise awareness and encourage more early diagnoses.”
4. Practical issues
There may be practical barriers to the uptake of cancer screening, such as language, cultural, and mobility issues, and other personal barriers like the inability to leave dependents.
Helen says: ‘‘I am recruiting Cancer Champions from as many diverse backgrounds as possible to highlight where barriers might be and ensure information is collected from these groups so that steps can be taken to address issues where possible.
“By training and supporting Cancer Champions from different communities, we are gaining valuable insights into some of the reasons people don't take up cancer screening invitations.
“We are keen to share our findings and knowledge with other cancer service providers, such as Powys Teaching Health Board and Public Health Wales, to identify gaps and opportunities to address local needs so together we are raising awareness and understanding about the life-saving impact and importance of cancer screening.”
The Lingen Davies Cancer Champions initiative launched in Powys in March 2023.
Cancer Champion training is available to anyone living in Powys as well as statutory, voluntary or community organisations.
The team can also attend community events and venues with their health promotion bus or gazebo, or indoor venues with their cancer awareness stand.
For more information visit: www.cancerchampions.co.uk
