Answer Cancer is a Voluntary Sector partnership working to improve cancer awareness across Greater Manchester. It aims to increase cancer screening rates, especially within communities where take-up is currently low. It will achieve this by working with communities and voluntary sector organisations, including faith groups, resident’s associations and community groups, to raise awareness of screening and possible symptoms and causes of cancer. Answer Cancer will support both individuals and organisations by providing training, information sessions and grants.
Answer Cancer was set up in response to the low take of cancer screening in Greater Manchester. For both bowel and cervical cancer screening, Greater Manchester ranks 12th out of the fourteen regions across England. For breast cancer screening it ranks 13th.
Screening can detect cancer at its early stages and sometimes before it even has a chance to develop, making it easier to treat and save lives. That’s why it’s so important that you take part when you are invited.
Three types of Cancer Screening are available free on the NHS:
- Breast Cancer Screening is offered to all women aged 50-70 every three years. If you think you’ve missed an appointment, you can book another one by calling 0161 291 4444.
- Cervical Screening, often called a smear test, is offered to women and anyone with a cervix aged 25-64. You will be sent an invitation every three years between the ages of 25-49, then every five years for 50-64 year olds. You can book this at your GP surgery.
- Bowel Cancer Screening is available to everyone aged 60-74 every two years. You will receive a test kit through the post which you complete at home. Call 0800 707 6060 if you need a replacement. If you are over 75, you can also call to request a kit if you still want to take part.
Become an Answer Cancer Champion
As well as taking part in screening, you can also get involved by signing up as an Answer Cancer Champion.
Answer Cancer Champions are a growing movement of people from all walks of life who live or work in Greater Manchester. Champions are united by their shared commitment to helping their communities tackle cancer.
The role of a Champion is flexible so anyone can commit as much time or as little time as they wish. For some this might just be learning more about cancer screening programmes and signs and symptoms of cancer, so they can share this information in everyday conversations with their family, friends, colleagues and community members. Others might wish to take advantage of Answer Cancer’s training opportunities and get involved in activities such as making a radio show, public speaking or working on creative campaigns.
To find out more and to sign up visit: www.cancerchampionsgm.org.uk/sign-up
Find out more about Answer Cancer and cancer screening here: www.answercancergm.org.uk