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Detect cancer early initiative
20/02/2012
A mum of one who survived breast cancer has given her backing to a new programme to help increase the early detection of cancer by 25 per cent.
Tricia Clark from Clydebank was diagnosed with breast cancer six years ago, and thanks to early detection of the disease, has now made a fully recovery.
She has joined fellow cancer survivors, Eric Byrne and Glenys Marra in backing the new Detect Cancer Early initiative which is being launched today by Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon at Springburn Health Centre in Glasgow.
Ms Sturgeon met with Tricia, bowel cancer survivor Glenys and lung cancer survivor Eric to mark the beginning of the campaign.
This drive is part of a £30 million Detect Cancer Early plan which is set to improve cancer survival rates by increasing the number of Scots diagnosed in the earliest stages of the disease.
The money will help to increase diagnostic and screening capacity, support rapid diagnosis and treatment, increase the rate of early referral, and support additional treatments being introduced across the country.
Speaking at the launch of the programme, Ms Sturgeon said:
“The earlier a cancer is diagnosed the greater the chance it can be treated successfully. More lives can be saved in Scotland through prevention of cancer and through earlier detection and better treatment and that is why we need to encourage people to see their GP as early as possible if they have any concerns.
“This £30 million funding has been set aside from the extra £1 billion we are committing to the health budget during the next four years.
“Breast, bowel and lung cancer are the three most common cancers in Scotland, and by diagnosing and detecting these cancers earlier, we can treat patients when their general health is better and when less aggressive treatment may be required than if the cancer had spread. This will improve survival and reap benefits for patients, their families and all of Scotland.”
“Scotland has made good progress in cancer treatment during the last two decades. Screening for breast, bowel and cervical cancers have been introduced, and cancer is being diagnosed and treated earlier thanks to advances in technology and investment in staff and equipment.
“However, Scotland continues to lag behind other parts of Europe for cancer survival rates. And with an aging population, the incidence of cancer is set to increase and more complex treatments will be required. More action is therefore needed and this plan sets out how we intend to achieve that.”
The plan aims to save more than 300 lives a year by the end of the next Parliamentary term, and from today (Monday) a publicity drive of television and radio adverts starts.
This first phase of the campaign is aiming to address fear, lack of knowledge about the prospects of survival from cancer and apprehension to approach a GP. To ensure that the Scottish public are ready for messages on specific cancers and symptoms, it is vital that these perceptions are addressed first.
Action from the plan will initially concentrate on tackling the three most common cancers in Scotland – breast, bowel and lung cancer, with a focus on:
- Improving participation (through informed consent ) in national cancer screening programmes to help detect cancer earlier
- Raising the public’s awareness of screening programmes and also the early signs and symptoms of cancer and encouraging people to seek help earlier
- Working with GPs to promote earlier referral or investigation of patients who may be showing a suspicion of cancer
- Ensuring there is sufficient capacity in the screening programmes to meet the expected increase in those choosing to take part
- Helping imaging departments, other diagnostic departments and treatment centres to prepare for an increase in the number of patients with early disease requiring treatment
- Strengthening data collection and performance reporting within NHSScotland to ensure progress continues to be made on improving early stage cancer diagnosis, access to treatment and survival.
The Detect Cancer Early programme will run for three years. The initial advertising campaign will begin today and run for six weeks primarily across television, radio and online.
This initial activity is a ‘priming campaign’ about the benefits of presenting early to your GP with symptoms of cancer, and this will be followed by a second wave of activity to highlight the signs and symptoms of individual cancers.
Audrey Birt, Chair of the Scottish Cancer Coalition, is supporting the project. She said: “Detecting cancer early is vital for improving the outcomes for the many thousands of men and women diagnosed with cancer each year. When a cancer is detected early, the more effective treatment can be. We hope this initiative will help overcome the fear of cancer and raise awareness levels of cancer signs and symptoms helping people know what to look for and so get that crucial early detection.”
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde director of public health Dr Linda de Caestecker said: “Detecting cancer early is vital for successful outcomes and that is why screening is so important. Screening has the potential to save lives and improve the quality of life through early diagnosis of serious conditions.
“Almost 75 per cent of women eligible take part in our cervical screening programme every three years, about 69 per cent take part in breast cancer screening. Our bowel screening programme invites all men and women between the ages of 50 and 74 registered with a general practice to take part, our uptake is just over 51 per cent.
“While these figures are relatively high, there are still many people not taking up this important opportunity for a simple procedure to pick up any cancer or pre-cancer at a treatable stage.”
Tricia Clark, 47, knows the importance of early detection of cancer. Six years ago, Tricia Clark found a lump the size of an egg in her breast after trying on a new bra at home.
She said that her breast felt ‘itchy’ and started to feel around the area, until she found the lump. She didn’t waste any time and made an appointment with her doctor.
As a single mum of a three-and-a-half year old, Tricia’s main focus was her son and the trigger to make sure she got through her cancer treatment so she could see her son grow up.
She said, “I knew about the basic signs of breast cancer and checked myself every so often. But when I was trying on a new bra, I started to find a bit of my breast really itchy. That’s when I found a lump. I knew in my heart that it was cancer so in a strange way I was prepared for what the doctor would say.
“I wanted to find out straight away so I made an appointment with my doctor the next day and she referred me to the Western, where I was taken a few days later. There was no delay as they told me almost immediately after all the tests that they thought it was cancer. I had surgery and treatment in the December – just a couple of months later.
“My three-year-old son was all I had to live for and I’m sure he was the reason I remained so strong throughout all my treatment. I had to be around to see him grow up. I also wanted him to know what was happening and thought it was important to talk about it. I explained to him that I had found a lump and was going into hospital for an operation. When I went to pick him up from nursery, all the staff already knew as he had told them. But I think that’s so important, as people shouldn’t be scared to talk about it.
“If you find something unusual or different about your body, don’t waste any time. Make an appointment with your GP straight away. Doctors are very understanding, especially when it comes to cancer and it is best to know either way if there is something wrong.”
Eric Byrne, 62, from Airdrie is a lung cancer survivor.
The retired lecturer was diagnosed with lung cancer in October 2008. His family was concerned when he developed a persistent cough and persuaded him to visit his GP.
Eric explained: “To be honest I wasn’t initially too worried about the cough but my daughter convinced me to go to my GP. I didn’t think it was worth bothering my doctor about but I agreed to go just to put her mind at rest. However, it turned out that my daughter was right to be concerned and I’m just so thankful that she made me get checked out.
“The doctor sent me for an x-ray at the hospital where they discovered a cancerous tumor was blocking the passage into my lungs.
“When I heard that it was cancer it was very overwhelming but I didn’t have time to dwell on it. I knew that I had to stay positive for my family and I felt very lucky that it was discovered quickly so I could be treated.”
Eric received four cycles of chemotherapy to shrink the tumour, making surgery possible. He then underwent a lobectomy in Jan 2009 to remove his upper right lung. Since having the treatment Eric hasn’t looked back.
“My worst fear was always becoming an invalid and losing my independence, but that was never realised. I have made a very good recovery and having cancer has not stopped me enjoying life. I go to the gym every day and I look after myself.
“Catching cancer early has given me the best chance of beating the disease. I would strongly urge everyone to be aware of their body and if you uncover something unusual or different, then make an appointment with your doctor straight away. The worst thing you can do is ignore signs and symptoms. It may not be anything to worry about but it is always best to get a check up.”
Glenys Marra is a retired teacher who lives in Dundee. She was diagnosed with bowel cancer in November 2009 after she had suffered extreme tiredness for some months and was diagnosed with diabetes type 2 and high blood pressure.
Even after these conditions were treated, she didn’t feel much better and in November 2009 Glenys completed a routine bowel screening kit, followed by a colonoscopy.
The screening revealed many bleeding polyps and a tumour was found. Glenys then had two tumours and a lymph node removed. Glenys’ cancer is now in remission and she currently attends regular screenings.
Glenys said “I urge all eligible people to get screened or to go to their doctor if they are worried. It is what saved my life.”
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