Agenda item

Kaye Mann, Public Health Specialist Practitioner, BMBC, will update Councillors with regard to the Cancer Screening Behavioural Insights.

Kaye Mann, Public Health Specialist Practitioner, BMBC, was welcomed to the meeting and updated Councillors with regard to the Cancer Screening Behavioural Insights initiative. 

Members were reminded that 1 in 2 people get Cancer in their lifetime and that potentially 600 new cancers in Barnsley could be postponed or prevented each year.   The leading causes of death from cancer in Barnsley are lung (72% caused by smoking), prostate and breast cancer, with around 1500 new case every year in Barnsley.

It was noted that living a healthy life does make cancer less likely, including being smoke free, keeping a healthy weight, and being more active.

Those present heard of the importance of early diagnosis, which leads to an improved chance of surviving cancer, with 8 in 10 surviving when diagnosed at Stage 1.  Unfortunately, only 2 in 10 survive when diagnosed at Stage 2.  The importance of screening for all cancers was also stressed.

Attention was drawn to the signs and symptoms of common cancers and the need for residents to have themselves checked if they experienced these symptoms.

An overview of behavioural insights and nudge theory was provided, and examples provided of where this could be utilised to increase cancer screening.

Members heard of the behaviour science trial being conducted.  Based at the food bank in the Dearne, staff and volunteers speak to clients, and offer to refer to Care Coordinators at GP surgeries.  They would then be able to proactively book appointments. It was noted that  if successful, elements could be rolled out across the borough.

The meeting heard of the support services available for those recently diagnosed with cancer living in a Barnsley postcode or accessing services at a Barnsley Hospital.  Members were asked to promote healthy lifestyle messages, raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancer and encourage the uptake of screening. The message of consulting a GP if something did not feel right was also emphasised.  It was noted that GPs were extremely busy, but it was suggested that awareness could be raised that if residents highlighted that their symptoms may be linked to cancer, this would help prioritise appointments.

Councillor Wraith had personal experience of the impact of cancer and is happy to continue to promote health messages wherever he can.  Councillor McCarthy also requested copies of the slides in order to share the messages throughout her networks.

Life expectancy has traditionally varied by 10 years between the east and west of the Borough.  Higher rates of unhealthy factors, Barnsley's legacy of coal mining and deprivation does have an impact on cancer rates.  Efforts at sharing the messages will be concentrated on those who need it most.  Covid has impacted negatively on cancer rates, with many people who have not come forward with signs and symptoms due to fears around the pandemic.  Targets are in place to get back on track by March of 2022 but there remains a backlog.

RESOLVED that:

(i)            Kaye be thanked for her attendance and contribution;

(ii)          That the update be noted,

(iii)         Copies of the slides be shared with Councillor McCarthy so that she can share amongst her networks, and

(iv)         Members continue to support the work to share healthy lifestyle messages and work towards improving cancer detection rates.