Surrey and Sussex Cancer Alliance updates
The Surrey and Sussex Cancer Alliance (SSCA) aims to reduce variation and inequalities in the delivery of cancer services across Surrey and Sussex, improve accessibility of services and outcomes for patients diagnosed with a cancer, and to share best practice, innovation, and learning
Cervical screening results via NHS App
From September, patients will receive their cervical screening results via the NHS App Those with negative results will be notified via the App. However, if a message isn’t read within 72 hours, a letter will be sent to the patient. Abnormal results will continue to be delivered by post.
Patients are being encouraged to sign up to the NHS App and turn on notifications.
HPV vaccination for students
Young adults who missed their human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination at school are being encouraged to have the vaccine at their GP surgery. This autumn, flyers will be handed out during freshers’ week at Surrey and Sussex universities, urging students to get vaccinated. A social media campaign will also run across TikTok and Snapchat from the end of September for eight weeks.
The HPV vaccine protects against nine high-risk types of HPV which can cause cervical cancer, head and neck cancers and genital warts.
New breast check reminder service
To mark October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the charity Breast Cancer UK, has launched a text reminder service to encourage people to check their bodies once a month.
People can sign up for the text reminder service as well as download a guide on how to do a breast check here.
Support for patients with gynaecological cancer
September is Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month and Surrey-based charity, Grace provides free counselling and support services for patients newly diagnosed with gynaecological cancer.
Find out more from its website here, email support@grace-charity.org.uk or call 01483 904153