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Northumbria Healthcare wig survey

Hair loss through cancer treatment survey

Hair loss (alopecia) from cancer treatment can be one of the most distressing side effects. Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust would like to understand patients’ experiences of using the wig supplier that the trust uses. If you or someone close to you has used this service, please leave your feedback.

You can also ask a member of staff at the hospital to help you leave your feedback at your next appointment.

The information you provide will be anonymous and will help the trust to understand more about the suppliers used, the services they offer and where improvements can be made.

 

To tell us your experiences of any NHS or social care service you have used in the last 12 months, please get in touch.

Online event - Coping with Cancer

Online event – Time to talk about cancer

Friday 16 February 2024, 1pm – 2pm

Join us to hear from Maggie Bailey from Coping with Cancer North East who will talk about some of the myths around cancer.

She will also provide information on the care and support available in Northumberland through Coping with Cancer and other services.

There will be a chance to ask questions after the presentation.

This session is suitable for anyone who would like to know more about cancer and the support available, both professionals and members of the public.

This event has now passed.

Sign up to our newsletter to hear about future events.

NHS Galleri Trial

NHS trials new cancer test

Northumberland and South Tyneside have been selected within the North East and North Cumbria to take part in the world’s largest trial of a revolutionary new blood test that can detect more than 50 types of cancer before symptoms appear.

People aged 50 to 77 are being asked to look out over the coming days for a letter from the NHS inviting them to take part in the trial.

Participants must not have had a cancer diagnosis or treatment in the last three years and have no concerning symptoms. They will have a small blood sample taken at mobile clinics that will visit Northumberland at the end of April and throughout May as well as South Tyneside in May. Participants will be invited back after 12 months, and again at two years, to give further blood samples.

The potentially lifesaving Galleri™ test checks for the signs of cancer in the blood and the NHS-Galleri trial, the first of its kind, aims to recruit 140,000 volunteers nationally, including thousands in South Tyneside and Northumberland, to see how well the test works in the NHS. The trial team are inviting people from a wide range of backgrounds and ethnicities to ensure results are relevant for as many different people as possible.

Dr Hassan Tahir, primary care lead on the GRAIL project for the Northern Cancer Alliance, said most people were now aware of the benefits of finding cancer earlier when it is easier to treat.

“By taking part in this trial, people in South Tyneside and Northumberland will be at the forefront of developing a test that has the potential to save lives from cancer in England and around the world,” he said.

“Registering for the trial is easy – just look out for the letter which will show you how to book an appointment online or over the phone. If you receive a letter do please consider being part of the trial. The test is a simple blood test that has the potential for identifying cancers at an early stage, this includes head and neck, bowel, lung, pancreatic, and throat cancers.”

Dr Robin Hudson, medical director at NHS Northumberland Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), added: “At Northumberland CCG, we are very excited about this ground-breaking study into early cancer detection. We would encourage everyone who is eligible to take part as we believe it could make a huge difference to our population by preventing lives being cut short by this awful disease.”

The Northern Cancer Alliance is helping to ensure participants who test positive in this region get the necessary follow-up appointments.

The NHS-Galleri trial is being run by The Cancer Research UK and King’s College London Cancer Prevention Trials Unit in partnership with NHS England and healthcare company, GRAIL, which has developed the Galleri test. All participants will be advised to continue with their standard NHS screening appointments and still to contact their GP if they notice any new or unusual symptoms.

Sir Harpal Kumar, President of GRAIL Europe, said: “We’re delighted to partner with the NHS to support the NHS Long Term Plan for earlier cancer diagnosis, and we are eager to bring our technology to people in the UK as quickly as we can. The Galleri test can not only detect a wide range of cancer types but also predict where the cancer is in the body.”

Patients whose condition is diagnosed at ‘stage one’ typically have between five and 10 times the chance of surviving compared with those found at ‘stage four’.

Initial results of the study are expected by 2023 and, if successful, NHS England plans to extend the rollout to a further one million people in 2024 and 2025. The trial is the latest initiative launched by the NHS to meet its Long-Term Plan commitment of finding three-quarters of cancers at an early stage by 2028.

Read more about the Galleri trial

Have you used cancer services in the last 12 months?

Tell us about your experiences of and views on services so that those who provide them know what they are doing well, and what could be improved. Your feedback can help make services better for everyone.

Share your experiences

Do It For Yourself

Do It For Yourself

We are supporting the #DoItForYourself initiative which helps raise awareness around the symptoms of lung cancer and the importance of early diagnosis. If you’ve noticed any signs of lung cancer, such as breathlessness or a cough lasting for more than three weeks, contact your GP practice to get checked out.

Lung cancer can affect people of all ages, but the risk increases as you get older. The campaign specifically targets men and women over the age of 50 as lung cancer most commonly affects people of this age group.

Before the pandemic the early diagnosis of lung cancer was challenging, with many patients presenting with a late stage cancer when curative treatment is not an option. Covid has added the complication of potentially disguising the signs and symptoms of lung cancer. If you have any concerns, your GP practice is there to help.

Read more about the symptoms and treatment of lung cancer

You asked us about Cold Caps

Healthwatch Northumberland was contacted by someone who reported that cold cap hadn’t been available for them during cancer treatment at Hexham General Hospital. The cold cap is a special cap filled with cold gel that can reduce hair loss caused by chemotherapy. It works by reducing the amount of chemotherapy drugs reaching the hair follicles.

We contacted some local groups for more information and were invited to attend a coffee morning held by the Northumberland Cancer Support Group. The people we spoke to seemed sure there is in fact a cold cap available at Hexham Hospital. Some people told us that they were offered the cold cap treatment but declined because of potential drawbacks and limited success rates;  others told us that because of the type of cancer and its severity, they had not been eligible for this type of treatment.

We also met a volunteer with Macmillan Cancer Support at the coffee morning, who agreed to ask some questions when she was next at the hospital.  The volunteer got back in touch with the following information:

“Hexham Oncology Day Unit has two cold caps.  These are offered to patients and are readily available as appointments can be made to accommodate everyone.  Usually the patient’s consultant would have discussed the situation with them beforehand.”

“Everyone is eligible but the consultant may be of the opinion that the patient could be at risk of metastasis to the brain if taking a certain drug during treatment.”

Healthwatch Northumberland also spoke to the staff on the Macmillan Cancer Support bus which was visiting Hexham at the time.  They suggested two useful websites for further information on hair loss during treatment:

 

Breast Cancer Care

Macmillan Cancer Support

 

Further research concluded that it is the decision of the individual cancer specialist whether or not the cold cap is suitable for a patient.  Cold cap treatment is not available for use during radiotherapy.  It can be used with chemotherapy but if the chemotherapy treatment is very strong or if the patient has very long periods of chemotherapy treatment, the cold cap will not be suitable.  In short, the severity of the cancer and the strength of the treatment will determine whether the cold cap is recommended.

Events

Coping with Cancer free online event

Online event – Time to talk about cancer

Join us to hear from Maggie Bailey from Coping with Cancer North East who will talk about some of the myths around cancer. She will also provide information on the care and support available in Northumberland through Coping with Cancer and other services. There will be a chance to ask questions after the presentation.

This session is suitable for anyone who would like to know more about cancer and the support available, both professionals and members of the public.

Register now and we will send you a link to join closer to the event.

Sign up to our newsletter to hear about future events.

Living well with bowel cancer event

A free virtual information and support event run by Bowel Cancer UK for anyone affected by bowel cancer. Hear about how to cope with a cancer diagnosis, live better with the disease and manage the side effects of treatment.

There will also be an opportunity to hear from other people about their experiences. The event will end with a relaxing wellbeing session.

To register for the event please email: supportevents@bowelcanceruk.org.uk

Find out more

Cancer Patient Event: Rothbury

Cancer Information and Engagement Northumberland

The Northumbria Cancer Patient and Carer Group would like to invite cancer patients and carers in Northumberland to share their experiences and ideas – what is working well in your area? What needs improving? There will also be a mix of organisations at the event offering advice and support.

The Northumbria Cancer Patient and Carer Group is made up of patients, carers, health professionals, voluntary group representatives and others affected by cancer. It’s objective is to improve cancer services and support throughout Northumberland and North Tyneside. The group is supported by Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust which consults with the group to gain opinions on new service developments, information leaflets and questionnaires.  The Northumbria Cancer Patient and Carer Group is not a cancer support group, but it does have very good links with local support groups and can put you in touch with the right people.

 

This event starts at 10.00am with refreshments, and lunch will be available from 12.00pm.

You can also visit an event at these locations in Northumberland:

Monday 3 February: The Roundhouse, Ashington 

Wednesday 19 February: Seaton Delaval Community Centre

Wednesday 4 March: Morpeth Town Hall

Thursday 26 March: Hexham Mart

 

No booking required. For more information about the events or how to give your feedback if you can’t get to one of the events, email: info@ncpcg.org.

Cancer Patient Event: Morpeth

Cancer Information and Engagement Northumberland

The Northumbria Cancer Patient and Carer Group would like to invite cancer patients and carers in Northumberland to share their experiences and ideas – what is working well in your area? What needs improving? There will also be a mix of organisations at the event offering advice and support.

The Northumbria Cancer Patient and Carer Group is made up of patients, carers, health professionals, voluntary group representatives and others affected by cancer. It’s objective is to improve cancer services and support throughout Northumberland and North Tyneside. The group is supported by Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust which consults with the group to gain opinions on new service developments, information leaflets and questionnaires.  The Northumbria Cancer Patient and Carer Group is not a cancer support group, but it does have very good links with local support groups and can put you in touch with the right people.

 

This event starts at 10.00am with refreshments, and lunch will be available from 12.00pm.

You can also visit an event at these locations in Northumberland:

Monday 3 February: The Roundhouse, Ashington 

Wednesday 19 February: Seaton Delaval Community Centre

Wednesday 11 March: URC, Rothbury

Thursday 26 March: Hexham Mart

 

No booking required. For more information about the events or how to give your feedback if you can’t get to one of the events, email: info@ncpcg.org.

Cancer Patient Event: Seaton Delaval

Cancer Information and Engagement Northumberland

The Northumbria Cancer Patient and Carer Group would like to invite cancer patients and carers in Northumberland to share their experiences and ideas – what is working well in your area? What needs improving? There will also be a mix of organisations at the event offering advice and support.

The Northumbria Cancer Patient and Carer Group is made up of patients, carers, health professionals, voluntary group representatives and others affected by cancer. It’s objective is to improve cancer services and support throughout Northumberland and North Tyneside. The group is supported by Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust which consults with the group to gain opinions on new service developments, information leaflets and questionnaires.  The Northumbria Cancer Patient and Carer Group is not a cancer support group, but it does have very good links with local support groups and can put you in touch with the right people.

We will be there asking you about your care experiences from 2019 for our Annual Survey 2020. Your feedback will help us work more effectively on your behalf and can help make improvements for everyone.

This event starts at 10.00am with refreshments, and lunch will be available from 12.00pm.

You can also visit an event at these locations in Northumberland:

Monday 3 February: The Roundhouse, Ashington 

Wednesday 4 March: Morpeth Town Hall

Wednesday 11 March: URC, Rothbury

Thursday 26 March: Hexham Mart

 

No booking required. For more information about the events or how to give your feedback if you can’t get to one of the events, email: info@ncpcg.org.

Cancer Patient Event: Ashington

Cancer Information and Engagement Northumberland

The Northumbria Cancer Patient and Carer Group would like to invite cancer patients and carers in Northumberland to share their experiences and ideas – what is working well in your area? What needs improving? There will also be a mix of organisations at the event offering advice and support.

The Northumbria Cancer Patient and Carer Group is made up of patients, carers, health professionals, voluntary group representatives and others affected by cancer. It’s objective is to improve cancer services and support throughout Northumberland and North Tyneside. The group is supported by Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust which consults with the group to gain opinions on new service developments, information leaflets and questionnaires.  The Northumbria Cancer Patient and Carer Group is not a cancer support group, but it does have very good links with local support groups and can put you in touch with the right people.

 

This event starts at 10.00am with refreshments, and lunch will be available from 12.00pm. The Healthwatch Northumberland team will be there with an information stand and will be inviting you to tell them about your care experiences over the last 12 months.

You can also visit an event at these locations in Northumberland:

Wednesday 19 February: Seaton Delaval Community Centre

Wednesday 4 March: Morpeth Town Hall

Wednesday 11 March: URC, Rothbury

Thursday 26 March: Hexham Mart

 

No booking required. For more information about the events or how to give your feedback if you can’t get to one of the events, email: info@ncpcg.org.

Cancer Awareness Roadshow Hexham Abbey

Cancer Research UK Cancer Awareness Roadshow will be visiting Hexham later this month.

The roadshow will be at the following venues:

 

Tuesday 20 August 2019:  10.00am to 4.00pm,  Hexham Market Place

Wednesday 21 August 2019: 10.00am to 4.00pm, Hexham Abbey

    

What is the Cancer Awareness Roadshow?

Cancer Research UK’s Cancer Awareness Roadshow first hit the road in 2006 and was set up in partnership with Ronan Keating and the Marie Keating Foundation, who continue to support the Roadshow today.

 

The roadshow travels to different towns each week to:

  • Help visitors to take steps to reduce their risk of cancer through lifestyle changes
  • Encourage people to go to their GP with any concerns – picking cancer up at an earlier stage means treatment is more likely to be successful.
  • Promote local screening programmes

Click here for more information about the Cancer Awareness Roadshow.

Cancer Awareness Roadshow Hexham Market Place

Cancer Research UK Cancer Awareness Roadshow will be visiting Hexham later this month.

The roadshow will be at the following venues:

 

Tuesday 20 August 2019:  10.00am to 4.00pm,  Hexham Market Place

Wednesday 21 August 2019: 10.00am to 4.00pm, Hexham Abbey

    

What is the Cancer Awareness Roadshow?

Cancer Research UK’s Cancer Awareness Roadshow first hit the road in 2006 and was set up in partnership with Ronan Keating and the Marie Keating Foundation, who continue to support the Roadshow today.

 

The roadshow travels to different towns each week to:

  • Help visitors to take steps to reduce their risk of cancer through lifestyle changes
  • Encourage people to go to their GP with any concerns – picking cancer up at an earlier stage means treatment is more likely to be successful.
  • Promote local screening programmes

Click here for more information about the Cancer Awareness Roadshow.

Ideas and Information Board

Easy Read Co-design Workshop

The Macmillan Cancer Project aims to make cancer services and experiences better for people with a learning disability. They are working with Public Health England to design easy read materials for cancer screening.

They are running two workshops for people with a learning disability, families and carers. The morning workshop will look at cervical screening; the afternoon workshop will look at bowel screening.

The cervical screening workshop is in the morning. This is for women.  It is 10:00am to 12:30pm, followed by lunch at 12:30pm to 1:15pm.

The bowel screening workshop is in the afternoon. This is for men and women. Lunch is served 12:30pm to 1:15pm and is followed by the workshop at 1:15pm to 3:45pm.

To book a place please complete the booking form and return to Julie Tucker.

For more information please contact: Julie Tucker: Julie.tucker11@nhs.net. Call: 0113 824 9693 or 0786 017 7981.

Living with and Beyond Cancer

Living with and Beyond Cancer Event

Northumbria NHS Healthcare Foundation Trust runs regular health and wellbeing events for people with a cancer diagnosis.  They are an opportunity to get lots of advice and support to help you make choices that improve your wellbeing.

Many well-established local organisations are on hand to provide advice on a wide variety of topics and you can discover what facilities and services are available on our doorstep. The events cover topics such as:

  • Diet, exercise and general wellbeing including improving your mental wellbeing
  • Cancer awareness and managing  your symptoms
  • Volunteering and practical hobbies such as IT, gardening, photography and joinery
  • Financial advice and help with getting back to work
  • Support for carers
If you’d like to come along get in touch at

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