On the 4th of June, Healthwatch Cumberland co-hosted a Cancer Engagement event for over 50s at the People First Conference Centre. Members of the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences at the University of Oxford co-hosted this event providing presentations around clinical trial testing for cancer treatments that will benefit future generations.
The Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences involves a group of researchers, clinicians and participation from patients to improve pathways to cancer diagnosis through research. For more information, visit their website here: Cancer Research at Oxford University.
There were discussions around how you can take part in trials - if this is offered by your GP practice, what a ‘reasonable’ amount of blood to be taken would look like and a discussion around the public’s experiences of diagnosis and cancer treatment.
In the UK, 49.8% of cancer patients survive 10 or more years with 38% of cancer cases being preventable (Cancer Research UK, 2015). In females aged 45-54, breast cancer accounted for 46% of cancers diagnosed in data published in 2023. For males aged 45-54, prostate cancer was the most commonly diagnosed (20% of diagnoses) in this same dataset (Cancer Registration Statistics, England, 2023).
This event gave over 50s an opportunity to have a health check with Cumbria Health including blood pressure, height & weight measurements where results were sent directly to their GP for the most up to date information. Other attendees brought useful resources including how to ‘eat well’ during cancer treatment, directing people on how to manage their symptoms and maintain a nutritious diet despite having appetite changes.
Healthwatch Cumberland Research and Data Officer Caitlin said:
“This event was very fulfilling, like many of us, I have experienced losses due to cancer. Any opportunity to educate and encourage people to see their GP sooner with symptoms or to lead healthier lives is a high priority of mine. I chatted to an inspirational woman about her experiences, and I felt a strong sense of acceptance speaking to someone who understood supporting someone through cancer.”
This unique event gave the public a safe space to open up about their own experiences and speak directly to researchers and a GP who was involved with the Nuffield team.
Organisations in attendance included: Eden Primary Care Network, Cumbria Health, Work Well.
Share your thoughts:
If you have been involved in a cancer trial or have any thoughts or feelings you would like to share about cancer screening and testing in our area, we would love to hear from you. Email: [email protected] to tell us your thoughts.