The NHS Long Term Plan has set two significant ambitions for improving cancer outcomes. By 2028, the aim is to increase the proportion of cancers diagnosed at stages 1 and 2 to 75%. By 2028 55,000 more people will survive their cancers for at least five years post-diagnosis.Early diagnosis is the key to improving survival outcomes.
Where cancers are detected early, an increased range of treatment become are available -thus improving long-term survival and quality of life. The NHS has a wide range of interventions available designed to increase the proportion of cancers that are diagnosed at an early stage.
Primary care has a vital role to play in the efforts to improve outcomes by improving referral practices for suspected cancers. Key to these efforts will be the encouragement of uptake for national cancer screening programmes. Cancer Alliances are active at local level in seeking to achieve the national objectives and we will support those efforts.
The achievement of 75% early diagnosis requires a shift in gear and cannot be achieved through more of the same. Venn PCN will support the objective through collaboration with a variety of organisations at all levels of the health system and by working with practices and their patients
Don't Carry the Worry
Bladder & Kidney Cancer
Bowel Cancer
Bowel cancer screening aims to detect bowel cancer at an early stage and where there are no symptoms. At this point, treatment is more likely to be effective.
Bowel cancer screening is available for all men and women aged 60 to 74 years. When the test is due, patients are sent a kit through the post with full and easy instructions. The screening test detects tiny amounts of blood in bowel motions that are not visible. Tests are carried-out by the patient in the privacy of their home. The kit supplied through the post provides a very simple way of collecting a small bowel motion sample.
This is then placed into a container and returned to the lab in the special envelope provided. The test takes only a few minutes and the results are known in the course of a few days.
Blood can be detected for a number of reasons. For example, blood can be the result of polyps which are not cancerous but can become so over time. In a small number of cases, blood can be a result of cancer. If blood is discovered, further tests are carried-out to find the cause.
If you have symptoms of bowel cancer at any age, always see a GP immediately and do not wait for a screening test.
Prostate cancer usually develops slowly. This means that signs may not appear for many years.
Breast Screening
Breast screening is carried out by using x-rays called mammograms to detect cancers at a time when they are too small to be seen or felt.
You'll automatically get your first invite for breast screening between the ages of 50 and 53. Then you'll be invited every 3 years until you turn 71.
If you're a trans man, trans woman or are non-binary you may be invited automatically, or you may need to talk to your GP surgery or call the local breast screening service to ask for an appointment.
You need to be registered with a GP surgery to be invited for breast screening.
Breast Screening Information
>> VENN PCN CANCER SCREENING PORTAL > Breast Screening NHS> Hull & East Riding Breast FriendsCervical Screening
Cervical Screening is not a test for cancer. It is a means of preventing cancer by detecting and treating early abnormalities which if left untreated - could lead to cancer in a woman's cervix - (the neck of the womb).
All women between the ages of 25 and 64 years are eligible for the cervical screening test - every three to five years. The programme is run by Primary Care Support England and they will contact patients due for screening by post asking them to contact their surgery.
Once the test has been completed, results are sent directly to the patient - usually within ten to 14 days.
Invitation Schedule
| AGE | INVITATION |
|---|---|
| Under 25 | Up to 1 month before 25th birthday |
| 25-49 years | every 3 years |
| 50-64 years | every 5 years |
| 65 years + | Only if one of last 3 tests were abnormal |
Gynaecological Cancer
Gynaecological Cancer
> gynaecological cancer SymptomsLung Cancer
Lung Cancer
> Lung Cancer SymptomsProstate & Testicular Cancer
Prostate cancer usually develops slowly. This means that signs may not appear for many years.
Symptoms of prostate cancer usually appear when the prostate is large enough to affect the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the penis. When this happens there may be an increased desire to urinate which may involve straining with a feeling that the bladder has not fully emptied.
Whilst these symptoms should not be ignored, they do not mean that bladder cancer is present. They could be caused by prostate enlargement. Early diagnosis of prostate cancer is vital and symptoms should be investigated without delay so that treatment can be commenced and better outcomes achieved.
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers globally, but early detection and prevention can significantly reduce its impact. In this brief overview, we'll discuss what to look for, actions to take if you suspect skin cancer, and essential prevention strategies to protect yourself from harmful UV radiation.
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is a prevalent and potentially life-threatening condition, but with vigilance and knowledge, it's also one of the most preventable forms of cancer. In the UK, where sun exposure might not always seem as intense as in sunnier climates, it's easy to underestimate the risks. However, regardless of climate, skin cancer remains a significant concern.
Types of Skin Cancer
The three main types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. BCC and SCC are more common and typically less aggressive, while melanoma, although less common, can be more dangerous if not detected and treated early.
Signs and Symptoms:
The three main types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. BCC and SCC are more common and typically less aggressive, while melanoma, although less common, can be more dangerous if not detected and treated early.
Action to Take
If you suspect skin cancer or notice any concerning changes on your skin, don't delay seeking medical advice. Your GP or a dermatologist can perform a thorough examination and, if necessary, arrange further tests or refer you to a specialist for biopsy or treatment.
Prevention Strategies
Preventing skin cancer starts with protecting your skin from harmful UV radiation. Here are some key prevention strategies:
Information for LGBT People
From available data, it appears that there is a lower uptake of cancer screening amongst the LGBT community (gay, lesbian, trans, bisexual).
Failure to attend for cancer screening means that cancers may not be detected in the early stages. This may lead to a later diagnosis of cancer and risks worse experience and outcomes. Whilst there is no clear evidence to suggest that non-binary and trans people are at a heightened risk of cancer than cisgender people, there are certain factors that might affect the risk of particular cancers. This may have an influence of the type of recommended screening taking account of the sex assigned at birth, hormones and any surgery that may have been performed
.PROSTATE CANCER
The prostate is a gland that is located below the bladder. It surrounds the urethra , which is the tube through which urine (wee) passes out of the body. People with a prostate include:cisgender mentrans women non-binary people who were assigned male at birthsome people who are intersex.Trans women and people who are non-binary can still get prostate cancer. Tests should be undertaken if symptoms appear. The UK currently has no screening programme for prostate cancer.
BREAST CANCER SCREENING
In clinical terms, people of all genders can get breast cancer and everyone has breast tissue. For everyone with significant breast tissue between the ages of 50 and 70 can access breast screening. This includes most:
Failure to attend for cancer screening means that cancers may not be detected in the early stages. This may lead to a later diagnosis of cancer and risks worse experience and outcomes. Whilst there is no clear evidence to suggest that non-binary and trans people are at a heightened risk of cancer than cisgender people, there are certain factors that might affect the risk of particular cancers. This may have an influence of the type of recommended screening taking account of the sex assigned at birth, hormones and any surgery that may have been performed.
Only people who are registered female at their GP surgery are automatically invited for cervical screening. If they wish to take part in screening, males may discuss their concerns with the GP practice.
CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING
The cervix is located inside the body at the top of the vagina where it joins with the bottom of the womb. Cervical screening is offered routinely to anyone with a cervix between the ages of 25 to 64 years. Providing they have not had an operation to remove their womb this can include the following people:
Cervical screening for trans men and non-binary people
Only people who are registered female at their GP surgery are automatically invited for cervical screening. If they wish to take part in screening, males may discuss their concerns with the GP practice. If they have a cervix and are registered as male, and aged between 25 and 64, they can:
Cervical screening for lesbian and bi women
Women who only have sex with women do need to attend for screening tests, in spite of misconceptions on the matter. The HPV virus can be transmitted during sexual activity. Lesbian and Bi women who have a cervix and who are between the ages of 25 and 64 years should attend for screening tests.
More information for trans and non-binary people
GPs are able to offer advice if there are any questions about cancer screening, Cancer Research UK are also a source of innformation on screening for non-binary and trans people.
LGBT Cancer Support
> Prostate Cancer - Test & Treatments> Prostate Cancer & Trans Women Information On prostate Cancer> Self Check Breast Cancer> Prostate Cancer & Trans Women Information on Prostate Cancer> Jo's cervical cancer trust Cervical screening for trans men and non-binary people> CRUK Screening for Non-binary & Trans People
