Patients & Carers
Whether you're a patient, carer, or family member, this section is designed for you. You'll find helpful information, resources, and guidance.
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Professionals
Supporting professionals across health and care. Guidance, referral pathways, training opportunities, and the latest updates from across the system.
Read moreWho we are
The Northern Cancer Alliance works with our communities, hospitals, general practices, local authorities, charities and other support organisations across the whole of the Integrated Care System in the North East and North Cumbria.
Latest news
10% of lung cancers diagnosed by screening in North East and North Cumbria
26 May 2026
Around 10% of the 10,000 lung cancers diagnosed earlier thanks to the NHS Lung Cancer Screening Programme have been in the North East and North Cumbria. As the milestone is marked nationally, data shows that three out of four of the more than 1,000 lung cancers found in the North East and North Cumbria were […]
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Olympic athlete urges people to protect their skin from a young age
1 May 2026
Liz McColgan, Olympic, World and Commonwealth champion, has never been one to talk about her health but has recently opened up to share her experience in the hope it will help others. As a young athlete, Liz trained and raced in all weathers and admits sun protection was never something she gave much thought to. […]
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Helping detect ovarian cancer earlier in Gateshead
24 April 2026
Women in Gateshead who have gone through the menopause can now access a new service designed to support earlier detection of ovarian cancer. Women can self‑refer for a scan – without needing to contact their GP practice – if they’re experiencing any of these symptoms: Bloating or tummy pain Changes in toilet habits – weeing […]
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NHS marks 20 years of bowel screening and urges more people to get tested
21 April 2026
The NHS is urging more people to take up the invite of bowel screening as it marks 20 years since it began. Since it started in 2006, the NHS has caught 70,000 cancers with almost 85 million people in total having been screened. Introduced for people in their 60s, the lifesaving test is now available […]
Read in fullNew cancer prehabilitation service launches
23 March 2026
Healthworks, with funding and support from the Northern Cancer Alliance, has launched a new evidence-based cancer prehabilitation service, designed to support patients from diagnosis through treatment across the North East and North Cumbria. This represents the first service of its kind to be delivered by a not-for-profit organisation across a region of this size, helping […]
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Pioneering research study to improve care of heartburn and tackle cancer goes live in the North East
14 March 2026
Heartburn Health, a national research programme to find ways to improve care for people with heartburn, indigestion or acid reflux is looking for volunteers from the North East with these symptoms, aged 55-79 to take part. Supported by the NHS and Cancer Research UK, Heartburn Health is creating a community of at least 120,000 people […]
Read in full‘Collaboration underpins all we need to do to provide the best healthcare for our patients.’
