‘Bus-ting’ Cancer Tour to Boost Awareness of Early Symptoms
The NHS, in collaboration with Stagecoach, has initiated a nationwide ‘Bus-ting’ tour to raise awareness of cancer signs and symptoms.
The double-decker bus, adorned with striking messages, aims to encourage individuals to consult their GP for potentially life-saving checks upon noticing anything unusual.
This campaign follows a survey revealing that over two in five people wouldn’t schedule a GP appointment if they suspected cancer.
The blue NHS cancer awareness bus will traverse through Grimsby, Coventry, Nottingham, Basildon, and Portsmouth, covering areas with lower early cancer diagnosis rates.
Onboard, teams comprising local NHS staff, charity workers, and cancer survivors will provide expert advice, answer questions, and guide individuals to appropriate resources.
Dame Cally Palmer, NHS England National Cancer Director, expressed enthusiasm about the bus tour: “Our eye-catching NHS cancer bus is back touring the country to help raise awareness of cancer symptoms, and get people talking about their health, with teams of experts on hand to answer any questions.”
She emphasised the importance of early diagnosis for successful cancer treatment.
The NHS-wrapped bus, having attracted thousands earlier this year, serves as a reminder that early detection enhances treatability.
The tour, covering 450 miles, targets areas with lower early diagnosis rates, where local teams will remind people to contact their GP practice.
Recent awareness campaigns have resulted in a significant uptick in potentially lifesaving NHS cancer checks.
In September, GPs referred over a quarter of a million people for checks, marking a substantial increase compared to the same pre-pandemic month.
Additionally, more than 27,000 people commenced cancer treatment in September alone.
John, an NHS nurse from Portsmouth and a cancer survivor, will be onboard to share his story.
Emphasising the importance of early action, he highlighted the transformative impact of early cancer detection and treatment.
Cancer Research UK’s head information nurse, Martin Ledwick, commended the campaign’s role in encouraging early-stage cancer diagnosis.
He stressed the importance of seeking medical advice for any persistent symptoms, even if the likelihood of cancer is low.
Genevieve Edwards, Chief Executive at Bowel Cancer UK, expressed gratitude for survivors like John, who openly share their experiences to raise awareness.
She urged individuals experiencing potential bowel cancer symptoms to contact their GP promptly, emphasising the role of early intervention in saving lives.
GP and TV doctor, Dr. Hilary Jones, endorsed the ‘Bus-ting’ Cancer Tour, emphasising the critical nature of early cancer diagnosis for successful treatment.
He encouraged individuals to heed potential symptoms and consult their GP promptly.
The ‘Bus-ting’ Cancer Tour, supported by Stagecoach, will conclude in Portsmouth, after which the bus will continue operating as part of a normal service for the remainder of the year.
The lifesaving cancer messaging will persist on the bus, thanks to a donation of space from Global Radio.
Claire Miles, Stagecoach CEO, expressed pride in supporting this impactful cause, emphasising the potential to prompt individuals to seek medical attention and undergo crucial cancer checks.
She highlighted the company’s commitment to various charitable initiatives throughout the year.
