Last week (Monday 7 April – Friday 11 April), a double decker cancer bus visited locations across the Black Country to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancer.
Organised by the local NHS in partnership with the four local authorities in the Black Country, the cancer bus tour was an opportunity for local people to meet and talk with a range of clinicians about how to check for symptoms of cancer, the support services available and what to do if they’re concerned.
More than 900 people attended the cancer bus throughout the week and almost 500 people received health checks, including blood pressure and blood sugar tests, with a number of people signposted to their GP for further investigation.
Attendees were given information on the three main NHS cancer screening programmes of breast, bowel and cervical, including when people will be invited and what's involved in the screening.
Janet Douglas from Smethwick attended the cancer bus at Windmill Shopping Centre on Friday 11 April. She said: “I saw the bus advertised and came along to the Cape Hill bus. It’s the first time we have seen anything like this in the area. It was so informative and non-judgemental. Me and my friend have learnt all about the screening programmes, and the community connectors taught me how to self-check and be aware of what to look for."
Nila Akram, a Cancer Community Connector in the Black Country who also attended the cancer bus on Friday, said: “We worked together with the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB) to identify that the Cape Hill Asda site was a prime location for the bus. This area is a diverse community with low cancer screening. The community engagement and conversations around cancer is minimal due to lack of knowledge.”
Dr Mona Sidhu, Medical Director of Primary Care for the NHS Black Country ICB, said: “We’re really proud of the response to the cancer bus tour across the Black Country last week. Cancer is a difficult subject for many, but it’s vital that we continue breaking down barriers around cancer, raise awareness of symptoms and encourage people to take up screening opportunities.
“The fact that over 900 people engaged with the bus, with hundreds also receiving health checks, shows the real value of bringing services into the heart of our communities.
“Early detection saves lives, and initiatives like this help empower people with the knowledge and confidence to act.”
For more information about the cancer bus and the cancer support available, click here.
