Spot the signs early and save lives “Spotting cancer early saves lives. The ‘small c’ campaign is alerting people to the warning signs of cancer. It’s important to recognise and report symptoms early.” dr somen banerjee, director of public health UK’s biggest killer Lung cancer is currently England’s biggest cancer killer as at least 24,000 people each year are diagnosed. www.smallc.org.uk Health news National campaign is helping to raise cancer awareness Exploring untold stories BY ANNA WILSON THE national Be Clear on Cancer campaign is alerting people to the warning signs of lung cancer and the need to go to the doctor without delay. The campaign is being promoted in Tower Hamlets to help residents recognise symptoms, when cancer is still small enough to be treated. The earlier lung cancer is found, the better the chance of survival. Locally, the results of the small c campaign to improve awareness have shown an increase in the number of lung cancers diagnosed at an early stage and in the number of people who had life-saving surgery. Every year, approximately 100 people are diagnosed with the disease in Tower Hamlets and around 90 people die from it. Cancer Research UK reports around 87 per cent of lung cancers are caused by tobacco. Dr Somen Banerjee, director of Public Health Tower Hamlets, is urging people to visit their GP if they have any of the described symptoms: “It is always best to visit your GP without delay as finding cancer early improves the chances of successful treatment.” AN exhibition exploring the lives of ethnic minority women in the borough opened at Tower Hamlets Local History Library and Archives after a year-long research project Where I Belong tells the missing stories of BME women in the borough, through interviews organised by Majeda Begum, as part of her heritage skills traineeship at the library, with the help of volunteers. New portraits taken by photographer Sarah Ainslie and archive images from the library’s collections are also on show. The exhibition is open until June 12 and group visits and workshops can be arranged with the library. On Thursday, March 27 residents can join in an intergenerational discussion around changing fashions of ethnic minority women. In organised with the Museum of London Docklands, the event is being held at the Local History Library in Bancroft Road, Mile End from 4.30-6.30pm. Visit Majeda Begum with Anna Howard www.ideastore.co.uk • Are you a student starting (or continuing) at University in October 2014? • Do you live in Bethnal Green*? • Have you been to school locally? Being aware of symptoms is key to early diagnosis, so those with a persistent cough for three weeks or more should see their doctor right away. Other symptoms can include repeated chest infections, coughing up blood, breathlessness, losing weight for no obvious reason, or an ache or pain in your chest or shoulder that has lasted some time. Cllr Abdul Asad, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “Taking small steps towards improving your health can minimise your risk by quitting smoking, staying active, reducing alcohol consumption and increasing your intake of fruit and vegetables.” If you have had a cough for more than three weeks, see your GP. It could be a sign of lung cancer, or something else that needs treatment. Spotting it early could save your life. For information on lung cancer, other cancers and local services visit www.smallc.org.uk For information on the Be Clear about Cancer campaign visit www.nhs.uk/be-clearon cancer For advice on stopping smoking speak to your local pharmacist or GP or visit www. towerhamlets.gov.uk If the answer to all three questions is ‘yes’, you may be eligible for a £200 book grant from Parmiter’s Bethnal Green Educational Fund The application form and map can be downloaded from the Parmiter’s Bethnal Green Educational Fund’s facebook page or from Clerk to the Parmiter’s Trustees, Mr Robin Sorrell at rsorrell@sorrells.org.uk A fully completed application form and a map correctly marked with your address need to arrive with the Clerk to the Trustees by 7th July 2014 to be considered. Parmiter’s Bethnal Green Educational Fund We are a Charity that can help students who live in the old Metropolitan Borough of Bethnal Green*, which is more than just E2; includes Collingwood Estate E1 and Bow E3 between Regent’s Canal and Driffield & Lyal Roads News in brief New nurses sought BARTS Health NHS Trust is running a recruitment drive to attract new nursing staff. The trust, which manages hospitals in east London including the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel and the London Chest Hospital in Bethnal Green, particularly seeks to attract Band 5 nurses. Recruitment days are being held in March and early May and candidates will have the opportunity to visit the Royal London for their interview and see what it is like to work in one of the trust’s six hospitals. The events are part of the trust’s bid to employ 95 per cent permanent staff and save money by reducing costs of agency and bank staff. To view current job opportunities at Barts Health NHS Trust visit www.Jobs.nhs.uk Top award for trust EAST London NHS Foundation Trust, which provides mental health and community health care services, has been recognised for the way it works with patients and uses feedback to improve services. The NHS England Excellence in Participation Award was presented to the trust in the ‘participation to achieve insight and feedback provider’category. Paul Sherman, associate director of people participation, said: “We are happy to be recognised nationally by NHS England.” Men encouraged to be aware MEN in Tower Hamlets are being encouraged to be aware of the symptoms of prostate cancer. The charity Prostate Cancer UK is running a campaign to encourage men to be more clued up about the disease as part of prostate cancer awareness month this month. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, with one in eight diagnosed with it at some point in their lives. Men over the age of 50, those with a family history of relatives with prostate cancer or breast cancer, and black men are more likely to get prostate cancer. They are encouraged to visit their doctor if they have any of the following symptoms: urinating more often especially during the night; difficulty starting to urinate; straining or taking a long time to urinate; feeling that their bladder has not emptied properly; and needing to rush to the toilet. Dr Tania Anastasiadis from Tower Hamlets Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “It’s really important that men know how to recognise prostate cancer, and that they visit their doctor if they experience any of the signs. “There are no guaranteed ways to prevent prostate cancer, but there are some lifestyle changes you can make to reduce the risk of developing it.” For more information on prostate cancer, visit the website www.prostatecanceruk.org 24 – 30 MARCH 2014 N E W S F R O M TOWER HAMLETS COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY 7
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