Be Cancer Aware

‘Be Cancer Aware’ is FREE peer education training, designed to support people with learning disability, families and carers understand more about cancer.

From the CIPOLD (Confidential inquiry into premature deaths of people with learning disability) inquiry and LeDeR (Learning from deaths review) reports we know:

  • For people with a learning disability, cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage, with concerns of diagnostic overshadowing and a lack of reasonable adjustments to support diagnosis and treatment.
  • There are significantly lower uptake rates across all screening programmes.
  • Those with a diagnosis of cancer are less likely to: be informed of their diagnosis and prognosis, be involved in decisions about their care, be given pain relief or receive palliative care.
Benefits of ‘Be Cancer Aware’

‘Be Cancer Aware’ gives people the opportunity to learn about cancer in a supportive environment. Information is accessible and gives people the opportunity to ask questions.

We use role play, flash cards, stories, games and videos.

The course gives information on:

  • symptoms,
  • what to do if you have a concern,
  • what happens when you go to the GP/hospital,
  • cancer risks,
  • screening and where you can get support.

 

During 2020 we have developed a range of videos to support Be Cancer Aware and raise awareness of signs and symptoms of cancer and how to reduce your risk.

Be Cancer Aware Videos
Be Cancer Aware: What we do

Be Cancer Aware: Signs of cancer

 

Be Cancer Aware: Lung Cancer

 

Comments from participants

“My sister had cancer. It was good to talk about it today”

“My knowledge about cancer has improved, first time done anything about cancer”

“This was fabulous! Great range of activities. Lovely atmosphere. Everyone involved. Great to use real examples of people with learning disability. Well presented. Great to dispel the myths.”

“Why is it that cancer awareness has not been talked about to adults with a learning disability?”

For more information or to book a training course

Contact: Julie.tucker11@nhs.net / 07860177981 to find your closest provider

Training providers

Cumbria – People First Independent Advocacy

Durham – Durham County Council

Gateshead and South Tyneside – Your Voice Counts

Middlesbrough – Camphill Village Trust

Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland – Skills for People

Redcar – Skills for People

Sunderland – Sunderland People First