1. Name Location

2. Background In the UK one year cancer survival is below many European countries The Government estimates 10,000 lives could be saved each year if our survival rates matched the best in Europe Much of the gap is thought to be due to late diagnosis If caught early, cancer can be a treatable condition

3. Why this matters to me Why I became a Cancer Awareness Champion One in three of us is likely to get cancer in their lifetime Many are not aware of the signs and symptoms of common cancers Caught early, cancer can be more treatable What I hope to achieve

4. Why are cancers diagnosed late? Many reasons, but often people are unaware of the symptoms that they need to lookout for or delay going to see a doctor. 100,000 lives – how many lives would be saved in my community? Whilst this is an estimate and actual numbers will vary from place to place, and by cancer type, its roughly equivalent to saving 40 lives in every community of 200,000 people.

5. As a result… Awareness campaigns are therefore being used to help spread knowledge of key symptoms. At present efforts in the East of England are being focused on the four cancers where most lives can be saved: breast, bowel, lung and oesophageal (or gullet) cancers.

6. How common are these cancers? Very common. In 2009 there were more than 6,500 new cancer diagnoses of the top 4 cancers within Anglia.

7. The earlier we diagnose cancer, the better the chances of survival Relative survival at 1 year after diagnosis

8. What are the Cancer Networks doing? Campaigns aimed at improving awareness Cancer awareness events, media stories and advertising Cancer Awareness Champions Working with community groups Working with primary care (GP) colleagues Working with hospital colleagues We’d like you to help us

9. Breast Cancer

10. Bowel Cancer

11. Lung Cancer

12. OG or Gullet Cancer

13. How can you help us? Be aware of the signs and symptoms of the most commonly occurring cancers Be aware of changes in your own, and your loved ones bodies Talk to close family members - not talking about cancer doesn’t help Be brave. If you notice something different, don’t delay Go and see your GP. Cancers caught early are much more treatable. Encourage others to do the same

14. You can help to save lives

15. For further Information www.angliacancernetwork.nhs.uk 01638 558 580