Annual Review 2008/09 - Cancer Research UK

Information thatsaves livesWe help people to make informed choicesso that they can reduce their risk of cancer,increase their chances of early detection,understand their cancer, and make informeddecisions about treatment.Our information services give people clear,high-quality information, in the way they want it.High-quality informationOn our award-winning cancer information websiteCancerHelp UK, around 2.3 million pages were viewedeach month. And trial summaries on our unique clinical trialsdatabase were viewed around 76,000 times each month.In 2008 we launched an online forum, Cancer Chat, wherepeople can talk to others affected by cancer.In May 2008 we launched our Science Update Blog todebunk cancer myths and report on the latest developmentsin cancer research globally. The blog has been hugely popularand recently won an Association of Medical ResearchCharities science communication award for best onlineresearch information.Information prescriptionsWe are working with Macmillan Cancer Support, theNational Cancer Action Team and NHS Choices to developpersonalised information prescriptions within the NHS.We hope that this will improve the way doctors and nursesgive information to patients.Early diagnosisWe know that many thousands of cancer deaths could beavoided each year in the UK, if cancers were diagnosed earlier.NAEDI’s aim is to coordinate and provide support toactivities that promote the earlier diagnosis of cancer. It aimsto understand the reasons behind delays in diagnosis, toestablish the best ways to encourage the public to recognisethe warning signs and go promptly to their doctor, and tounderstand the links between early diagnosis and survival.Spotting cancer early can mean that treatment is simplerand more likely to be effective. We have launched four shortfilms aimed at making people aware of the importance ofrecognising the early signs and symptoms of cancer.Prevention and campaignsAround half of all cancers could be prevented by changesin lifestyle.In partnership with the British Heart Foundation andDiabetes UK, as part of the Department of Health’sChange4Life campaign, we ran a short series of advertsabout the possible effects of children eating unhealthy dietsand being inactive. After seeing the campaign, one third ofmums say they have encouraged their children to snack lessoften and do more physical activity.Our three Cancer Awareness Roadshows travelled aroundthe country to take our healthy living messages direct to localcommunities where knowledge about cancer prevention islow. Of 7,000 visitors surveyed, 85% intended to change theirlifestyle following their visit to the Roadshow. These lifestylechanges could have a real impact on reducing their risk ofdeveloping cancer.For information about cancerwww.cancerhelp.org.ukWe are playing a central role in the National Awarenessand Early Diagnosis Initiative (NAEDI). Harpal Kumar, ourChief Executive, is co-leading the initiative with ProfessorMike Richards, the National Cancer Director.12 / Annual Review / Information that saves lives