More people die of cancer in our region than anywhere else in the country. Almost 8,000 people lose the fight against cancer each year in Greater Manchester and Cheshire.

But doctors believe that as many as 800 of these deaths could be prevented if people were more aware of the early signs of cancer and visited their GP sooner.

Persuading patients to adopt a healthier lifestyle, says Greater Manchester and Cheshire Cancer Network’s (GMCCN) consultant in public health Rona Cruickshank, could even slash the number of deaths by half.

Historically, we live in a region of unhealthy lifestyles. We have high levels of smoking and
alcohol abuse, for example.

And so, GMCCN and the Greater Manchester Public Health Network have developed a strategy to increase awareness of cancer symptoms, adopt healthier lifestyles and promote detection of cancer by encouraging people to go to their doctor sooner rather than later.

Rona says: “It is absolutely crucial that people get to their doctors as soon as they think something is wrong – the earlier cancer is detected, the greater the chance of successful treatment.”

Obesity

Experts believe that about a quarter of all cancer deaths are caused by unhealthy diets and obesity, and that people can reduce their risk of getting cancer by eating a balanced diet that is high in fibre, fruit and vegetables and low in red and processed meat, salt and saturated fat.

There are currently just under 34,000 new cases of cancer diagnosed annually in the north west. “By working closely with our partners across Greater Manchester and Cheshire, we can start to make real changes and start to bring these figures down,” says Rona.

“We know that we can be most effective if we work together and reinforce these key messages of early detection and lifestyle.”

Conditions for cancer patients are improving regionally and nationally. Patients now receive free prescriptions while they are still receiving treatment for cancer, and can apply for an exemption certificate by completing an FP92A form, available from the GP, NHS Trust oncology department or online at gmccn.nhs.uk/home.

Certificates are valid for five years and will be renewable for patients still receiving treatment for cancer or the effects of cancer treatment.

Meditation

But the region is also trying to improve awareness through its existing support services, as well as offer advice to those already diagnosed with cancer.

Bury Cancer Support Centre offers all kinds of essential support for patients diagnosed with cancer or in remission, but crucially they also provide support for their friends, families and carers.

Opened in 2003, initially only for half a day a week, the centre now provides a range of complimentary therapies, including massage and aromatherapy, reflexology, natural healing and reiki, meditation and counselling.

Clinical manager Lynne Marland came to the support centre from nursing. “I’d always been interested in complementary therapy and believed there was a place for it in cancer care,” she says. “We secured a small grant of £4,900 from Awards For All – an arm of the National Lottery – then produced some leaflets, recruited staff and waited for people to come.”

Within a few months, that initial half day grew to two and the centre is now open three days a week, treating patients referred from GPs, Macmillan nurses, Bury Hospice and The Christie, as well as people who come in via word of mouth.

Support

The centre receives no government or formal funding and relies on donations via its website at cancersupportbury.org.uk.

“It really is a wonderful place with a wonderful atmosphere to match,” says Lynne.

“I’d say over the three days we have around 100 people visiting the centre for a chat, a drink or one of the therapies.

“But it’s important to point out that our treatments do not aim to replace the ones offered by a patient’s doctor or hospital – nor will they conflict with any medical care.

“It’s all about offering holistic support for people and their families who are living with cancer.

“Cancer care should take into account not only physical care but also mental, spiritual and emotional. The general belief is that people who have just discovered they have cancer only feel fear and upset – but many feel intense anger.

“Here we can offer workshops or simply sit and listen for as long as the person needs. We’re here to support at every stage of the cancer  journey.”