Agenda item

Siobhan Lendzionowskiand Kaye Mann were welcomed to the meeting and delivered a presentation on this topic. It was highlighted that cancer touches many of us and 1 in 2 people will get cancer in their lifetimes.  There are 1500 new cases each year in Barnsley.  As 4 in 10 cancers are preventable, around 600 new cancers in Barnsley could be postponed or prevented each year.  Lung cancer is the main cause of cancer deaths in Barnsley, with 72% of cases linked to smoking.  Barnsley has significantly higher smoking prevalence than the rest of the country.  For men in Barnsley, prostate cancer is the second largest cause of death, responsible for 11.8% of death.  In women, breast cancer is the second major cause of death from cancer, accounting for 12.4% of female cancer deaths.  Healthy lifestyles can help to reduce the risk of cancer.  The 7 key ways to do this are: 

1.    be smoke free

2.    keep a healthy weight

3.    Stay safe in the sun

4.    drink less alcohol

5.    eat a high fibre diet

6.    cut down on processed meat

7.    be more active.

It was highlighted that catching cancer early is vital.  Around 8 in 10 people who are diagnosed early (Stage 1) with lung cancer survive for one year or more.  At Stage IV (late stage) this drops to just 2 in 10 people.  Similarly with bowel cancer, around 9 in 10 survive for a year or more when diagnosed early, which drops to around 4 in 10 who are diagnosed later.  The earlier the cancer is detected the better the long-term prognosis.  The voluntary screening processes for bowel, breast and cervical was explained in detail.  There is no doubt that screening saves lives.  Barnsley is close to national targets for screening, but there is still much work to be done.  The various signs and symptoms of various cancers were outlined and Members were urged to share the message that if something just doesn't feel right it should be checked out.  Lots of people are reluctance to visit their GP because of embarrassment

Siobhan was welcomed to the meeting and spoke about the Behavioural Science Trial, providing definitions of behavioural insights /science and 'nudges' along with an explanation of why people may not be attending appointments.  Evidence shows that people respond to proactive and positive messages and that most people referred do not have cancer.  Examples of 'nudges' in common usage were given.  It was reiterated that Councillors, as trusted community representatives, have a role to play in encouraging (nudging) people to attend screening and/or appointments.  Barnsley is trialling a behavioural science trial with the Foodbank in Goldthorpe (where there is a high incidence of cancer).  Staff at the Foodbank will talk to people and encourage them to take good care of their health.  A Care Co-ordinator will be available to help book appointments etc.  The trial has now gone live and will be rolled out across other GP practices in Barnsley to target areas and groups of people who traditionally don't come forward for screening.  The Dove Practice in Central Ward is part of the trial. 

Members expressed concern at the numbers of children using e-cigarettes.  It was explained that whilst smokers are encouraged to quit smoking using e-cigarettes the link with cancer and long-term effects is not yet known and the use of e-cigarettes for non-smokers is not advised. 

Members were concerned that it is difficult to get a GP appointment because of the pandemic. It was reported that lots of cancer referrals are being received but there is a shortage of staff at GP surgeries to address due to staff isolating etc.  More phone lines have been made available but no additional staff.  However, Members were reassured that people should continue to ring up and everyone will be clinically prioritised.  Members were made aware of services such as 'The Well' service, Benefits Service and End of Life Care for Barnsley people.  Further information will be provided outside of the meeting.

RESOLVED that

(i)            Siobhan and Kaye be thanked for their attendance and contribution, and

(ii)          Members, as trusted community representatives, share the information about the importance of cancer screening and early diagnosis in their local areas.