NEWS
NHS launches ‘giant lung roadshow’ to target cancer hotspots
The NHS will be touring England’s lung cancer hotspots with giant inflatable lungs and specialist teams of volunteers, in a bid to catch more cancers early and giving the best chance of successful treatment. Thousands of people are expected to see the 12 foot-high lungs in communities across the country – including in supermarkets, shopping centres and local high streets – with the public urged to get checked straight away if they have signs and symptoms.
The inflatable organs are large enough for visitors to step inside, allowing them to learn about typical lung structures, lung health and the effects of smoking.
Community engagement teams and volunteers will be on hand to talk to members of the public, and encourage those with suspected symptoms to visit their GP as soon as possible. In a new survey, less than two thirds (57%) of the public recognised a cough for more than three weeks or as a possible symptom of lung cancer and almost a quarter of respondents (24%) said they would do nothing or wait if they had this symptom. Only half (55%) of those surveyed said they would contact their GP if they had a cough for three weeks or more, despite this being a key symptom of lung cancer. The “Let’s Talk Lung Cancer Roadshow”, in collaboration with Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, will kick off in the North West, before travelling around the country, as part
of the NHS Help Us, Help You campaign. There are 26 locations on the roadshow, including Blackpool, Sunderland, Bradford, and Dudley, with the tour ending in London. NHS data shows these areas have significantly higher rates of lung cancer, with the roadshow aiming to start conversations about the illness and its symptoms – such as having a cough for three weeks or more. NHS National Cancer Director, Dame Cally
Palmer, said: “A life-saving diagnosis can begin with a simple conversation, and the NHS is doing everything it can to bring lung cancer to the forefront of people’s minds. “Our targeted campaigns have been extremely successful in the past, catching hundreds of cancers early in communities which traditionally are less likely to come forward for checks. This novel scheme will no doubt raise eyebrows, but it will also raise awareness of early cancer detection, ultimately meaning better chance of successful treatment for those coming forward.
NHS staff are also rolling out lung trucks across the country so that people who live in highest risk areas can get quickly checked in their community. Earlier this year, 600 people were diagnosed with lung cancer through an NHS mobile truck scheme with over three-quarters (77%) caught at earlier stages one and two. The Help Us, Help You advertising campaign is currently running across TV, radio and social media to widen the reach of the events.
Amber alert issued
on blood stocks NHS Blood and Transplant has triggered an “amber alert” meaning hospitals have been asked to put in place management plans to protect blood stocks. NHS Blood and Transplant aims to hold above six days of blood stocks. However, levels are currently predicted to fall below two days which is the threshold for an amber alert. This could mean postponing some non-urgent elective surgeries to ensure blood is prioritised for patients who need it most. NHSBT is urging donors to help by filling empty appointments at permanent donor centres in towns and cities which have extended hours and greater capacity. O blood groups are in particular need. Each donation can save or improve up to three lives.
Decisions will be taken by individual hospitals but the types of surgery that could be postponed are non-urgent such as hip replacements which make up around one per cent of all surgery. These could be swapped for other surgeries such as hernia repairs, gall- bladder removal and eye surgery which do not require blood to be on standby. Wendy Clark, interim chief executive of NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “Asking hospitals to limit their use of blood is not a step we take lightly. This is a vital measure to protect patients who need blood the most.”
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