We want to be Cancer Champions

Staff, volunteers and supporters of York Against Cancer are to receive training that could save lives.

We are hosting an event which will give up to 30 people the chance to learn how to spot the early signs and symptoms of a range of common cancers.

The training, to be held this autumn, will also give people the confidence to start a conversation and potentially to recommend that the person they're talking to should discuss their concerns with their GP practice.

The free course is run by the Humber, Coast and Vale Cancer Alliance, a partnership of 28 health and social care organisations working together to improve the health and wellbeing of people living in our area. It lasts half a day and qualifies its participants to become Cancer Champions.

York Against Cancer staff will be attending the course and its supporters are being encouraged to take part, too.

The Cancer Alliance says almost 20,000 people in the Humber, Coast and Vale area, which includes the area served by our charity, are diagnosed with cancer each year, a rate that’s significantly higher than the England average.

With research showing that 4 in 10 cancers are preventable, Cancer Champions are being given the knowledge to raise awareness about early signs and symptoms, promote healthy lifestyle choices and increase uptake of the national screening programmes in their communities.

The organisers say no prior knowledge or qualifications are needed to join. “We need anybody from 18 to 100 from all walks of life who want to make a difference,” said a spokesperson. “You never know who you might help.”

The sessions are relaxed and informal and are run by ordinary people, using straightforward language, not medical jargon.

All those attending will get an information pack to which they can refer when it’s needed afterwards and they will get a certificate and a badge to say they are trained Cancer Champions.

Their training could minimise the risk of cancer and improve survival rates by helping those with cancer get diagnosed and treated earlier.

Julie Russell, our General Manager, said she would be pleased to hear from anyone  who would like to come along for the course, to be held at the Novotel, Fishergate, York, from 1.30pm on Monday October 14.

“We think this will be really empowering for our staff, volunteers and supporters,” she said.  “Most importantly, it might save lives.”

To register interest in becoming a Cancer Champion email us at office@yorkagainstcancer.org.uk or call us on 01904 764466.