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Feature Improving outcomesEarly diagnosisKaren Parkinson shares how she and colleagues are raisingawareness of the signs and symptoms of cancerFurther informationKaren ParkinsonEPOC DevelopmentWorker (Sleaford Area)karen.parkinson@developmentplus.org.ukepoc@developmentplus.org.uk01522 533510The EPOC programmeis delivered by theregistered charitydevelopmentplus andis funded by NHSLincolnshire andMacmillan CancerSupport. The EPOCDevelopment Workersare Karen Parkinson,Louise Irving, KasiaPisarska Hopkins andBonney Cottrell.The Early Presentationof Cancer Programme(EPOC) was setup in 2009 to lowercancer mortality rates inLincolnshire’s growing andageing population.It aims to:• raise awareness of theimportance of earlydetection of cancerthrough recognition ofsigns and symptoms.• promote the earlypresentation of cancersymptoms to GPs• work with GPs to raisetheir awareness and useof early diagnostic tools• promote better uptakeand attendance ofscreening services• work in the heartof communities,developing volunteeringand social marketing.EPOC was establishedby NHS Lincolnshirein response to actionpoints identified in theCancer Reform Strategy.[1]The strategy sets outa programme of actionacross ten areas, includingsix areas to improve canceroutcomes and four areas toensure delivery.Spreading the wordEPOC spreads cancerprevention and healthylifestyle messages to peoplefrom all walks of life. Theteam visit schools, colleges,universities, communitygroups and local events,and volunteers hold amonthly market stall.During the first sixmonths of 2012, the teamdelivered more than 300events and workshops.Volunteers receivetraining from Macmillanabout the signs andsymptoms of cancer,confidence buildingand talking to membersof the public. One ofthe volunteers found acancerous breast tumourafter joining the programmeand she now uses her storyto show that early diagnosiscan save lives.EPOC has also runa successful ‘Boobs andBalls’ campaign to educateyoung people about theimportance of getting toknow their breasts andtesticles from an early ageand reporting any changesto their GP. Over 6,150young people have beenreached by the campaignthis year.ScreeningAs part of the second phaseof EPOC’s development, theteam is raising awarenessof the NHS CancerScreening Programmesto improve uptake. Theteam development workersliaise with local breast andbowel screening units tofind out where and whentheir screening sessionsare taking place andpromote the sessions withincommunities with the helpof volunteers.The team discussspecific queries and fearswith individuals and haveaddressed these withvery encouraging results.The Lincolnshire breastscreening unit has reportedan increase in womenattending for screening inthe targeted areas.EPOC has beenpromoting the nationalbowel screeningprogramme by encouragingpeople to use their postalkits and we promoted theservice at Lincolnshire'sagricultural show. The teamare currently devising acervical cancer campaign toincrease uptake of cervicalscreening invitations by allage groups.An evaluation of theprogramme will beginin October and we'll beincluding updates on ourwork in future editions ofMac Voice.22 Mac Voice Autumn 2012