Regional health bosses have opened a funding pot aimed at improving early cancer detection in some of the region's "most in need" communities. The Northern Cancer Alliance community cancer awareness and screening fund offers £2,500 grants to support work that boosts awareness and screening for bowel, breast, cervical and lung cancer.
The Northern Cancer Alliance brings together healthcare professionals across the North East and North Cumbria.
Where the grants are available
Projects in Northumberland towns Cramlington, Blyth, Ashington, Bedlington and Amble, along with Sunderland, Stockton, Hartlepool, Redcar and Cleveland, are eligible for funding.
Why early diagnosis is a priority
Dr Katie Elliott, clinical director for primary care at the Northern Cancer Alliance, said: "Detecting cancers earlier when there are more treatment options and better chances of survival is one of our key priorities."
She added: "All too often in the North East and North Cumbria, cancers are diagnosed late and this fund is all about helping to make that shift and reaching out to those communities who need the most help."
What projects could involve
Dr Elliott said: "We're looking to fund projects and activities in communities that raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancer to look out for. We're keen to help build people's confidence to speak to a GP or healthcare professional and make it easier for them to do so."
"This could include running cancer-specific information sessions, awareness days or integrating cancer and screening awareness in existing community activities. We really want to support groups to get the key messages out into their communities."
Community groups 'uniquely placed'
Michelle Cooper, chief executive at Point North, said: "We're delighted to be strengthening our partnership with Northern Cancer Alliance to help improve health and life outcomes for people across our communities. Local voluntary and community groups are uniquely placed to raise cancer symptom and screening awareness to encourage early diagnosis because they're already trusted."
She said: "For too many people in our communities, there are real barriers to putting their health first. By bringing these conversations about cancer into familiar places, whether that's a community café, a football pitch or a craft group, we can help make talking about it feel less daunting."
Deadline
The deadline for applications is 23 August. More information is available via the Northern Cancer Alliance Community Cancer Awareness & Screening Fund.
