Humber, Coast and Vale Cancer Alliance has launched free online Cancer Champion sessions to help raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancer and encourage early detection within local communities.

Individuals across Hull, York, East Riding of Yorkshire, Scarborough and Ryedale can now register for free one hour Cancer Champion sessions, which teach people about the key facts, statistics, symptoms and screenings for a number of cancers.

Each week, 78 families within the Humber, Coast and Vale region lose a loved one to cancer. The Cancer Champion Programme aims to save lives by promoting healthy lifestyle choices and encouraging early detection of cancer, when treatment could be simpler and more successful.

Emma Lewin, Volunteer Co-ordinator for the Cancer Champion Programme, said: “We originally launched the Cancer Champion Programme in September 2018 and have so far trained over 1,800 people however, since the beginning of lockdown we have been unable to deliver our regular face-to-face sessions. We have now adapted our workshops to be able to offer the same service virtually.

“Cancer Champions are equipped with the knowledge needed to raise awareness about cancer, engage in conversations which could help to reduce the risk of cancer and encourage early diagnosis.

 “Our online sessions are easily accessible and everyone who completes the course will receive a copy of our virtual handbook, a certificate and complimentary badge.”

Dr Dan Cottingham, Cancer Research UK GP Lead for Humber, Coast and Vale Cancer Alliance and Cancer End of Life Lead for NHS Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), explained why the Cancer Champion training sessions are so important: “We know that diagnosing cancer early can save lives, but during the COVID-19 pandemic fewer people came forward to speak to us when experiencing early symptoms of cancer.

“Cancer Champion awareness sessions support members of our communities to talk about cancer and encourage others to uptake cancer screening invitations or contact their GP if they have any concerning symptoms.”

The introduction of the virtual Cancer Champion training means there are now cancer awareness sessions available in all areas of Humber, Coast and Vale – with a similar service established in North East Lincolnshire and North Lincolnshire. Care Plus Group are offering virtual Cancer Champion training to individuals within North East Lincolnshire and North Lincolnshire. For more information about Care Plus Group Cancer Champion training, please email CPG.collaborative@nhs.net

To sign up for a Humber, Coast and Vale Cancer Champion Awareness session, visit: www.hcvcanceralliance.org.uk/cancerchampions.

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