New Cancer Awareness Campaign Launched

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Letter to Branches




No. 001/13
Ref P3
Date: 2 January 2013

To: All Branches

Dear Colleagues,

New Cancer Awareness Campaign Launched As Men's Cancer Risk is Set to Hit 50%
                                          "Spotting Cancer Early Saves Lives"

Leading charity Cancer Research UK has launched a major nationwide campaign on Men's Cancer designed to raise awareness of increasing risks, to reinforce the
message that spotting Cancer early saves lives and to highlight that it is only through research that cancer will be beaten. The research enables medical experts to
understand biology of cancer, what drives cancer and how it can be prevented as well as developing new treatments to reduce the number of people who will die from it.

The CWU Health, Safety & Environment Department is backing the Campaign and urging Branches and in particular Health and Safety Representatives to organise local campaigns aimed at:-
- Raising awareness amongst the male population of the Cancer risk factors,
- Informing Men what can be done to reduce the risk,
- Highlighting the early signs for Men to look out for, 
- Urging Men to go to their GP if they have concerns to seek early diagnosis in order to improve treatment options and survival and finally the Campaign calls for
more research into the disease in order to beat Cancer.

In launching the Campaign, which includes a major TV advertising initiative, Cancer Research UK released new figures which revealed that Cancer risk among Men
is increasing and that one in two men will be diagnosed with cancer by 2027, in other words half of all men are likely to have been diagnosed with cancer in 15
years' time.  The figures showing that diagnosis of men with the disease is increasing - more are also surviving.

The charity used Boxing Day to launch the TV campaign, highlighting how research can save lives and featuring stories from Cancer survivors.

UK men have a 16% higher risk of cancer than women.

The new figures suggest that by 2027, 50 men out of every 100 are likely to be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lifetime. That compares to 44 out of
every 100 in 2010.

However, the Cancer Research UK say that cancer survival has doubled in the last 40 years thanks to detection techniques and improved treatments. So while the
risk of being diagnosed with cancer is rising, the overall chance of surviving Cancer is improving.

Age is the biggest risk factor for cancer and the increase in risk is largely due to more people living longer. As our lifespan increases more people will reach an age
when they are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer.

Cancer Research UK state that the male cancers set to increase most in the next 15 years include:-
- Prostate Cancer,
- Bowel Cancer
- Skin Cancer (Melanoma).

The 10 most common causes of Cancer deaths in males (percentages of all cancer deaths) 2010:-
- Lung 23.5%
- Prostate, 13%
- Bowel, 10.6%
- Oesophagus, 6.2%
- Pancreas, 4.7%
- Bladder, 4%
- Stomach, 3.8%
- Leukaemia 3.1%
- Others 25.3%

Research

Prostate Cancer
Research is needed say Cancer Research UK’s Prostate cancer experts who state that Prostate cancer research is key to providing answers about the disease. As
the UK population ages, growing numbers of men will be diagnosed with the disease. Over the last 40 years prostate cancer incidence rates in the UK have tripled,
and three-quarters of cases are diagnosed in men aged over 65 years. Through continued research improved tests will be able to be offered to reduce the number
of men who die from the disease.

Bowel Cancer
Research has also already led to an improvement in the way bowel cancer is diagnosed and prevented. A 16-year Cancer Research UK trial showed how a one-off
flexi-scope test could reduce the number of deaths from bowel cancer by almost half, and the number of new cases by a third, in those who take up the screening
test. Flexible sigmoidoscopy uses a flexible endoscope to examine the rectum and lower part of the bowel. It was found that a single flexible sigmoidoscopy bowel
examination between the ages of 55 and 64, using a flexible tube with a camera and simple treatment to remove polyps, could reduce the incidence of bowel
cancer by one-third in the screened population and save thousands of lives. The technique is now a few steps away from being used in the national bowel screening
programme to complement the existing Faecal Occult Blood test.

Skin Cancer
Research work by Cancer Research UK and others around the world has led to a number of promising new treatments for advanced melanoma Skin Cancer, bringing
hope to patients. It is also critical to continue efforts to prevent Skin Cancer as most cases are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the
sun and sunbeds.

Research Statistics

All cancers (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer)
Around 416,000 people in the UK are predicted to be diagnosed with cancer in 2027 compared with more than 324,000 in 2010
More than 221,000 men in the UK are predicted to be diagnosed with cancer in 2027 compared with around 164,000 in 2010
More than 194,000 women in the UK are predicted to be diagnosed with cancer in 2027 compared with more than 160,000 in 2010

Bowel cancer (colorectal cancer including anal cancer)
More than 54,400 people in the UK are predicted to be diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2027 compared with around 41,800 in 2010
Around 29,900 men in the UK are predicted to be diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2027 compared with nearly 23,300 in 2010
More than 24,500 women in the UK are predicted to be diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2027 compared with more than 18,500 in 2010
The lifetime risk for bowel (including anus) cancer is predicted to increase to around 1 in 12 for men by 2027 compared with around 1 in 14 in 2010.
The lifetime risk for bowel (including anus) cancer is predicted to increase to around 1 in 15 for women by 2027 compared with around 1 in 18 in 2010.
Prostate cancer
Around 57,000 men in the UK are predicted to be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2027 compared with fewer than 41,000 in 2010
The lifetime risk for prostate cancer is predicted to increase to around 1 in 7 for men in 2027 compared with around 1 in 8 in 2010.

Skin Cancer (Malignant melanoma)
Around 20,400 people in the UK are predicted to be diagnosed with malignant melanoma in 2027 compared with around 12,800 in 2010
More than 10,200 men in the UK are predicted to be diagnosed with malignant melanoma in 2027 compared with around 6,200 in 2010
Around 10,200 women in the UK are predicted to be diagnosed with malignant melanoma in 2027 compared with around 6,600 in 2010
The lifetime risk for malignant melanoma is predicted to increase to around 1 in 37 for men by 2027 compared with around 1 in 55 in 2010.
The lifetime risk for malignant melanoma is predicted to increase to around 1 in 39 for women by 2027 compared with around 1 in 56 in 2010.
For more information about lifetime cancer risk visit: http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/cancer- ... ence/risk/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Spotting Cancer Early Saves Lives - 'www.spotcancerearly.com'
When Cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, treatment is more likely to be successful! Thousands of people are now beating Cancer every year. This is because of better treatments, screening and earlier diagnosis. BUT thousands more Cancer deaths could be prevented each year if early diagnosis and treatment were improved even further.

So the message to members is 'If you notice any unusual or persistent changes in your body, go and see your doctor. You have nothing to lose, but could have everything to gain. If it is something serious, finding it at an early stage and getting treatment started promptly offers a better chance of beating the disease.

"When my wife spotted an odd looking mole on my arm, I didn't think much of it at the time but I'm glad I told my doctor - that short conversation probably saved my life." - Cancer Survivor

"When my symptoms didn't go away I went back to my GP and I'm glad I did. My Cancer was treated successfully and I'm back to my old self. My advice to anyone is - if you notice any unusual of persistent change, be persistent about getting it checked out" - Cancer Survivor



TO FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS VISIT:
'www.spotcancerearly.com'
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT CANCER RESEARCH UK's INFORMATION WEBSITE
'www.cancverhelp.org.uk'

IF MEMBERS WANT TO TALK IN CONFIDENCE ABOUT CANCER THEY CAN CALL CANCER RESEARCH UK's INFORMATION NURSES ON:
FREEPHONE 0808 800 4040

Local Campaign Messages - Living Healthily Can Reduce the Cancer Risk
UK men have a 16% higher risk of cancer than women? More than one in three people in the UK will develop cancer during their lifetime and the numbers are increasing. Cancer is most common in people over 60. But the habits we adopt earlier in life can alter our risk – sometimes dramatically.
Lifestyle may play a part. Cancer is not just down to fate. We have control over many of the things that affect our chances of developing cancer. In the attached Cancer Research UK Leaflets you can find out how to reduce the Cancer risk. Living healthily is not a cast iron guarantee, but it can stack the odds of avoiding cancer in your favour. The general key messages are:-

* Drinking less alcohol - The more you cut down on your drinking, the more you reduce your cancer risk.
Drinking too much of any type of alcohol increases your risk of several types of cancer.

* Eating healthily - Eat a healthy, balanced diet to reduce your cancer risk.
By eating a diet high in fibre, fruit and vegetables, and low in saturated fat, red or processed meat and salt, you can help to reduce your risk of several different types of cancer.

* Keeping a healthy weight - Keeping a healthy weight is a great way to reduce your cancer risk.
When it comes to keeping your weight down, long-term changes to your lifestyle are more likely to work than quick-fix solutions.

* Being active - The more active you are, the more you reduce your cancer risk.
Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity a day, five days a week. Moderate activity does not have to cost a penny – it can include brisk walking, gardening, DIY or housework.

* Being a non-smoker - Stopping smoking is the best present you will ever give yourself.
It can be hard, but free services and treatments are available that can improve your chances of quitting successfully. Quitting dramatically reduces the risk of cancer and the earlier you quit, the more damage you can undo.

* Being "SunSmart" - Don’t let sunburn catch you out.
Whether at home or abroad, use shade, clothing and at least factor 15 sunscreen to protect yourself from sunburn. Also avoid using sunbeds – they are not a safer alternative to tanning in the sun.

Cancer Research UK 'Information' Leaflets Attached:-
- Reducing Cancer Risk, What Men Can do.
- Living a Healthy Life Can Reduce Your Cancer risk
- Detecting Prostate Cancer - Spot the Symptoms Early
- Detecting Skin Cancer - Spot the Symptoms Early
- Preventing Bowel Cancer - Spot the Symptoms Early
- Detecting Lung Cancer - Spot the Symptoms Early

Cancer Research UK publications -
Cancer Research UK publications and leaflets cover a wide range of subject areas, including cancer awareness, cancer prevention, 'SunSmart - SkinSafe' information.
Attached are pdf file copies of a number of leaflets for downloading and reproduction. Copies can be ordered directly from, Cancer Research UK for local campaigning.
To view the leaflets and to order bulk copies go to:-http://publications.cancerresearchuk.or ... er_value=1
To speak to someone at Cancer Research UK regarding leaflet orders - Call 0203 469 8333. Lines are open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Postal Address:-
Cancer Research UK
Angel Building,
407 St John Street,
London EC1V 4AD.
Tel: 020 7242 0200

Women's Cancer
Women's lifetime cancer risk is also increasing and is predicted to rise from 40 to 44 out of every 100 women by 2027.
For further information refer to the CWU Website, Health and Safety Section at: http://www.cwu.org/health-and-safety.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. The CWU Health, Safety & Environment Department has established working and support arrangements with a number of Cancer Charities and has circulated a number of Letters To Branches and Information, Fact Sheets and Leaflets copies can be downloaded or requested from the Department. Two Important Contacts are:-
Breast Cancer information and help: For questions about breast cancer and breast health, call the "Breast Cancer Care Charity" Helpline on 0808 800 6000 -
a free and confidential service staffed by experienced nurses. You can also use the "Ask the Nurse email service" at http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;.
Cervical Cancer information and help: For questions about Cervical Cancer call the "Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust Charity" Helpline on 0808 802 8000 -
a free and confidential service staffed by experienced volunteers. You can also use the "Ask the Expert email service" at http://www.jostrust.org.uk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;.

PLEASE SUPPORT THE CAMPAIGN LOCALLY IN THE BRANCH.

Yours Sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

                               "Spotting Cancer Early Saves Lives"
            "If you notice any unusual of persistent change, be persistent about getting it checked out"