Health and wellbeing
Success for cancer awareness events in Walsall
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Four events aimed at promoting the importance of early cancer detection in the borough have been hailed a success by Public Health Walsall, increasing residents’ awareness of cancer and recognising its signs and symptoms.
The free community events, which were held in collaboration with the Black Country Integrated Care Board, were hosted at Aaina Community Hub in January, Willenhall Chart Centre on 21 February 2024 and Pelsall Community Centre on 6 March 2024. Activities ran from 10am to 2pm. The fourth event was a vibrant one which held at the Bloxwich Active Living Centre on Friday, 22 March 2024.
Each event saw between 30-40 residents come in to have personalised conversations with local providers and professionals from Macmillan Cancer support, Diabetes specialists, NHS breast, cervical & bowel screening nurses, and Be Well Walsall, who all provided valuable advice about cancer screening and advice on how to stay safe and healthy.
Wider partners, including the Whg kindness champions, Affordable Warmth Project team, and mainstream health services were on hand to offer support on affordable energy, housing, learning disabilities, substance abuse and general health checks.
“ These events were a great opportunity to raise awareness of cancer and help residents recognise the signs and symptoms of different forms of cancer. Our partnership with the Black Country Integrated Care Board and other health experts has enabled us to reach a wide range of residents and empower them to take charge of their health.
I want to thank my team and our partners for their hard work in making the events a success. We still have another event coming up in the borough and we encourage everyone to be proactive about their health and take advantage of the resources available from our local health experts. Don’t be afraid to come forward for screening. Through early diagnosis from our health experts, we can make a real difference in the fight against cancer. “
“ Events like these are fantastic and I encourage the general public to come and speak to us about their health concerns and we are always ready to help.
Some groups of women do not take cervical cancer screening seriously. Women are invited to these screenings and are also sent three letters to encourage them to come in and check for cervical cancer. It is important that they book their screening and don’t ignore these letters. Symptoms of cervical cancer can be quite obscure and sometimes go unnoticed, so these smear tests can save lives. “
Residents were advised on eating healthy and balanced diets and given information on how to detect signs and symptoms of cancer which could vary depending on the type of cancer, but could include unusual lumps, unexplained weight loss and persistent changes in bowel habits.
In addition to the cancer awareness events, there will be another awareness event, during bowel cancer awareness month, at Frank F Harrison Community Association, Stephenson Square, Beechdale Estate, on Thursday 11 April 2024, from 10am to 2pm. People will be offered information on accessing cancer screening services and general health and wellbeing support, as well as getting to meet the screening nurses.
Ends
Notes to editor:
- These cancer awareness events are funded by NHS England
- To find out about more community events on Cancer taking place in Walsall and Sandwell, visit the NHS Black Country ICB website: https://blackcountry.icb.nhs.uk/your-health/health-advice/cancer
- Be Well Walsall - Funded by Walsall Council, Be Well Walsall is a free wellbeing service which can improve your physical and mental health.
