Target Group:
Men and Women aged 55+ across Barnet, Enfield, Haringey and West Essex. (Camden and Islington covered by Arsenal in the Community).

Funded by:
NHS North Central London and West Essex Cancer Commissioning Network.

Partners:
NHS North Central London and West Essex, Bowel Cancer UK, Arsenal in the Community, Haringey and Enfield Health Trainers, Haringey Public Health Directorate.

Content:
We, together with Arsenal in the Community, have come together to support the local implementation of the national Be Clear on Cancer health initiative, which aims to raise awareness of the symptoms of bowel cancer and the importance of early diagnosis. Specially trained Community Ambassadors will draw upon local knowledge and the energies of local residents to contribute to the reduction in bowel cancer mortality rates. They will be doing this through talking to local residents, families, friends and neighbours and sharing important campaign messages at community events, libraries, shopping centres, pubs and community centres.

Why needed:
The number of people diagnosed with bowel cancer every year in the UK would fill White Hart Lane stadium (over 36,000) and leave at least 3,000 people queuing outside.
Bowel Cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the UK.
Knowing the symptoms is the first step of beating bowel cancer and if diagnosed at the earliest stage, nine out of ten people survive.
According to a Bowel Cancer UK survey, over half of the population could not name a single bowel cancer symptom.
The UK survival rate of Bowel Cancer is lower than the European average.

Predicted Impact:
The NAEDI (National Awareness and Early Diagnosis Initiative) target is to improve 1 and 5 year survival rates, saving an additional 5,000 lives.
Achieving earlier diagnosis rates by public and patients.
To Increase awareness of bowel cancer symptoms within the target group of men aged 55+
Over 22% were unable to name any signs or symptoms.
Over 26% of men are significantly more likely to give the response ‘don’t know’.
28% of BME groups were also more likely to give the answer ‘don’t know’.
Encourage people to contact their GP, since more than 55% say they would be worried about what the GP/doctor might find.


Finsbury Festival of Running

On Sunday 4 March we are holding a 5k run in Finsbury Park to raise awarness of Bowel Cancer and the symptoms.

Click here for more information and how to sign up.

Having suffered from bowel cancer myself, I think it’s important to pass on my advice and experiences in any way I can. Many people who may be suffering from symptoms will try and bury their heads in the sand, but I want to reassure my local community that catching it early can ultimately save lives.