Volunteers needed for cancer service

Posted by The Journal on Dec 15, 09 09:18 AM in News

A new scheme aiming to help people in Northumberland detect cancer early urgently needs volunteers.

The community-based initiative, the Healthy Communities Collaborative (HCC), has been set up to help people living mainly in the Blyth, Wansbeck and Morpeth areas.

It aims to raise awareness of the disease so people can spot the early signs of breast, bowel and lung cancer.

Volunteers from the target areas are being sought to help with the project.

They will work closely with GP practices, the breast and bowel cancer screening service, cancer charities, local government and social services to help people in their community spot the early signs of cancer.

The project is already under way in Newcastle and North Tyneside and
received over ÃÂ£100,000 from NHS North of Tyne to continue its work in the county.

Lesley Davie, project manager for the HCC with North Tyneside PCT, said: "We will be reaching even more people and letting them know what changes to look out for in their bodies and encourage them to see their GP as soon as possible."

Sue Milner, director of public health for Northumberland Care Trust, said: "Cancer remains a major cause of early death and one of the main reasons for this is that people delay seeking medical attention for symptoms."

For more information about the HCC project, or to volunteer, contact 0191 6432892, or e-mail Lesley.davie@northtyneside-pct.nhs.uk.

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