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The NHS has trained local people in Keighley to talk to their friends, family and neighbours about cancer signs, symptoms, and screening – ultimately saving lives.
Sharon Cope, the WACA Cancer Champion is working with communities to raise awareness of screening programmes, and how to spot early warning signs of cancer.
Read more about the programme https://bdcpartnership.co.uk/local-people-in-keighley-trained-to-talk-about-cancer/
WACA recently worked in partnership with Keighley golf club, to host a Men’s Health event for its members.
The event was supported by WACA Primary Care Networks Cancer Champion Sharon Cope, along with team members Dr David Thompson & Georgia Stirk (Mental Health Coach) .
Dr Thompson did a talk at the start of the event, which outlined the pros and cons of Prostate Screening . Following the talk, 37 gentleman completed a PSA test. The PSA test (prostate specific antigen) is a blood test to see if you might have prostate cancer.
In England, the PSA test is available free to any well man aged 50 and over who requests it from their GP practice. For more information about the PSA test please visit :
https://patient.info/mens-health/prostate-and-urethra-problems/prostate-specific-antigen-test-psa
A few quotes from the day :
“ The GPs talk was easy to follow and explained everything I needed to know ”
“ Dr Thompson put me at ease straight away and me feel comfortable ”
“ Prostate Cancer is a subject I would normally not discuss with anyone but today we are all here for the same reason so I feel I can chat to other men about this personal topic ”
“ It is hard to get an appointment with my GP and I was unsure if my request for a PSA would be accepted at my surgery , It has been fantastic that I have been able to come today to the golf club and have it done “
This event forms part of the new Primary Care Network Cancer Programme , which aims to improve uptake of key cancer screening programmes. This programme is being delivered across Airedale, Wharfedale & Craven in community settings.
As part of a series of health talks and events, our Cancer Champion, Sharon Cope, recently delivered a cancer awareness session to the Sangat Centre Men’s health focus Group in Keighley. The event was really well attended and Sharon will be delivering a women's cancer awareness talk in the New Year
Members of the WACA team joined up with AWC Modality for the first of our workplace health checks events at Keighley College this week.
Employees were able to have a full NHS health check including blood pressure, BMI measurements and have their cholesterol and blood sugar levels tested.
The WACA social prescribers were also on hand to help advise with non-clinical matters.
