Community events increase cancer screening uptake in Lambeth

Over the past eight months, a series of inspiring cancer awareness events have been making a real impact in tackling health inequalities across Lambeth. The events were organised by social prescribing link workers from Lambeth’s Primary Care Networks, and with thanks to funding from Lambeth Together’s Neighbourhood and Wellbeing Delivery Alliance and the South East London Cancer Alliance. The purpose was to highlight the importance of screening for bowel, lung, breast and cervical cancers along with raising awareness of prostate cancer and early cancer symptoms in general.

Hosted in local libraries, community halls and high streets, these events brought health and wellbeing information and services straight to where people are. Over 330 people attended, with high representation from Black African and Black Caribbean, Spanish and Portuguese-speaking communities, and people with serious mental illness and learning difficulties — who are often underrepresented in cancer screening programmes.

Josepha Reynolds, Director for the Neighbourhood and Wellbeing Delivery Alliance said: “Taking a partnership approach has been essential to meet the needs of our communities. By working closely with our social prescribers, health champions, and specialist cancer experts, we’ve been able to provide information in an accessible way to improve health inequalities around early cancer screening.

“I’m incredibly proud of the commitment shown by everyone involved and excited to continue building on this strong foundation, working even more closely with our partners and neighbourhoods.”

With over two-thirds of attendees rating the events as ‘excellent,’ and feedback like ‘I felt reassured and grateful’ and ‘keep these events going—they’re for everyone,’ it’s clear these are more than just health events—they’re community lifelines.

The impact speaks for itself: one attendee is now smoke-free for five weeks, five new patients have registered with a GP, and several people have already since completed their bowel screenings and mammograms.

How to access NHS cancer screening

Cancer screening allows for earlier diagnosis meaning cancer will be easier to treat and more likely to be curable. To access NHS cancer screening, make sure you’re registered with a GP and you’ll automatically receive an invitation at the right time. If you haven’t received an invitation but think you should, or have any concerns about cancer symptoms, contact your GP.

Information about cancer screening

• Black men and those with a family history are at an increased risk of prostate cancer. Speak to your GP if you’re over 45 and would like to consider having a PSA prostate cancer blood test.
• The breast cancer screening team can be contacted on 020 3758 2024 or by searching London Breast screening online.
• If you feel you’re due bowel cancer screening and haven’t received, or misplaced your kit, please call 0800 707 6060.

More about NHS cancer screening programmes: www.nhs.uk/conditions/nhs-screening

A Lambeth Together priority

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of early death in Lambeth, with stark inequalities compared to other boroughs. Lambeth’s rate for people dying from cancers considered preventable is the third highest in London (Lambeth Gov, 2022). Tackling cancer is therefore a priority in our Health and Care Plan, which aims to reduce health inequalities and improve outcomes across the borough.