Awareness raising and the voluntary sector

What we know

• There are numerous surveys on awareness levels on a range of cancers, these have identified:– Public understanding of risk stratification and profile is

not accurate– Late or delayed presentation can have negative

consequences– Primary care has a critical role in responding to

patient concern– Primary care staff are an important target for

disseminating awareness messages and engage positively to educational opportunities

Knowledge of risk factors– 64% of women do not know that changes in the appearance of

the breast is a symptom of breast cancer

– One in seven people cannot name a single symptom of cancer

– 4% knew that prostate disease could affect 1 in 2 men at some point during their lifetime, with 24% believing it to be one in four. However 37% of the Scottish public surveyed knew someone who is affected by prostate disease - a family member, or a friend or were either directly affected themselves. 24% of the sample linked prostate cancer - to an increasing survival rate of men with prostate cancer

– 47% of young patients who had gone on to develop cancer surveyed in 2007 presented to the doctor 4 or more times before referral

What the sector does

• In 2009 the Scottish Cancer Coalition identified 34 awareness and education programmes being run by a range of cancer charities

• Initiatives developed by the voluntary sector have been derived from and respond to community need

• We provide specialist in-depth knowledge of specific cancers and generic cancer education to primary care and other health care professionals

What the sector does

“The GP’s were all pleased to receive the information; some were familiar with myeloma, but some were not. One GP was delighted and said he would make sure he told his colleagues.”

“The session was very well presented. An approachable trainer made a difficult, sensitive subject more informative.” Public Health worker, Lanarkshire

Where we can add value

• The sector has trusted representatives who can pilot initiatives

• We can add to provision, reinforce statutory policy and add a grassroots dimension

• By ensuring that awareness remains a high priority across all relevant strategies

What needs to be done

• Facilitation of sharing good practice

• Analysis of pathways and blockages

• Analysis of the baseline of public awareness