Health Secretary Shona Robison has marked World Cancer Day today by reflecting on the strides made in Scotland over the past year to help bring cancer down to size. Ms Robison highlighted recent positive developments made across Scotland – and underlined the government’s continued focus on turning Scotland’s Big C into the ‘wee c’ through awareness and action. Continue reading Awareness raising campaign to follow World Cancer Day
Improving Scotland’s health and social care will remain a top Government priority, Health Secretary Shona Robison will tell Holyrood today. Continue reading Improving health ‘a top priority’ for Scottish Government
Tomorrow is D-Day for cervical screening changes
Chief Medical Officer Catherine Calderwood has urged women to take up their invitation for cervical screening as changes to the programme come into force. From tomorrow, the age range for routine cervical screening will be changing to offer women aged 25 to 64 screening every three or five years. Continue reading Women urged to take up smear test invitations
Funding for Macmillan advice services
Cancer patients and their families will receive help to apply for benefits and access debt and money saving advice through a £450,000 investment, it was announced yesterday.
Funding for the Macmillan Benefits Services is supporting cancer patients, their families and carers to access benefits, claim grants, free white goods and deal with debt.
Last year Macmillan’s financial advice services in Glasgow, Dundee, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Inverness helped clients access £16.9 million of benefits and grant schemes, they would have otherwise missed out on.
Research from Macmillan has found 80 per cent of Scottish cancer patients are £420 worse off every month after they are diagnosed, through a mix of lost income and extra costs.
The £450,000 for Macmillan is part of the £2.5 million package of support for advice services confirmed in the 2016-17 draft budget.
Welfare Minister Margaret Burgess announced the funding on a visit to meet support workers at the project in the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre in Glasgow.
She said: “It is extremely stressful for people coming to terms with a cancer diagnosis to find themselves hundreds of pounds worse off and worried about paying their bills.
“Trying to navigate the benefits process while dealing with the physical and emotional problems cancer brings can be very difficult.
“Our investment in the Macmillan Benefits Service is removing some of the financial stress and uncertainty that comes when people are diagnosed, but are faced with increased heating, transport and healthcare costs.
“This funding is part of our £2.5 million package for advice services and sits alongside other measures like the Scottish Welfare Fund which helps vulnerable people in crisis and enables people to live independently.”
Macmillan’s Head of Services Janice Preston said: “Money worries are a real issue for many people who have been diagnosed with cancer. Some people will need to give up work and this can come at the same time as they face increased costs like travelling to hospital for treatment, or higher heating bills as many cancer patients feel the cold more.
“Services like this are vitally important in helping patients access the money they need and Scottish Government support and funding make these services possible.”
Brave wee Kai Laidlaw has died. The local three year old fought leukaemia twice in his short life – he was first diagnosed in September 2013, when he was only eight months old. Continue reading Brave wee Kai loses fight for life
#GetChecked for potential signs or symptoms of cancer
#GetChecked – a new campaign to encourage people to get checked for potential symptoms of cancer in a bid to save more lives in Scotland – has been launched.
The Scottish Government has joined forces with Cancer Research UK to call on people in Scotland to wear checked patterns in support of finding cancer early as part of the drive to turn the Big C into the wee c.
The campaign aims to make check patterns synonymous with early detection, so that every time someone sees a check they think about getting checked, attend screening when invited, or encourage a loved one to do the same.
X Factor and The Voice coach Yvie Burnett and Lindsay Blake from Burntisland, Fife who survived breast cancer after early detection, kicked off the campaign with M&Co, who were unveiled as its first #GetChecked partner yesterday.
The women are big supporters of the #GetChecked campaign and they joined staff at M&Co’s flagship store at The Gyle Shopping Centre, Edinburgh to raise awareness of the importance of early detection to help save more lives in Scotland.
#GetChecked will be promoted in M&Co’s network of 62 stores across Scotland over the next two weeks to help spread the message. Their windows will also be dressed in colourful checks and staff will be handing out leaflets and stickers to promote the importance of early detection to customers.
Members of the public will also be encouraged to take a ‘check selfie’ showing an item of check as a visual prompt for making people think about getting checked, either themselves or nudging a friend or relative.
Statistics show that the likelihood of surviving breast cancer is five times higher if detected at an early stage compared to a late stage, 14 times higher for bowel cancer and 20 times higher for lung cancer.
Around 1,000 deaths could be avoided each year if Scottish cancer survival matched the best in Europe and early detection is key.
Yvie Burnett said: “I lost my wonderful Dad in 1992 when I was in my twenties, which was far too soon. When I had children he wasn’t around to see them and there are so many things I have done in my life which I would have loved to share with him.
“That’s why I’m passionate about what #GetChecked aims to do. I’m proudly wearing my checks today, and I hope others across the country will as well – the more we can encourage people to present early, the more lives that will be saved. It’s as simple as that.”
Mum of two Lindsay Blake, 42, said: “I was on holiday in Turkey when I first spotted a small indentation in my right breast that I’d never seen before. As soon as I got home I went to my GP to get it checked out and was referred to hospital for a mammogram, ultrasound and a biopsy.
“It was a shock when I was told I had cancer but my husband, kids, family and friends were all amazing from start to finish. Their support kept me feeling positive, even through the tough days. Now two and a half years on I’m well, back at work and starting to feel more like me again.
“I lost my own mum to lung cancer in 2009 and it broke my heart to watch her fade away. I don’t want that to happen to any other family. That’s why I’m determined to do everything I can to raise awareness that if cancer is caught early it can be very treatable. It’s so important women and men of all ages get to know their body by looking and checking themselves regularly then if they find any unusual changes or feel unwell go to see the GP.”
Shona Robison, Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Sport, said: “We know more about cancer today than ever before, and thanks to early detection, research breakthroughs and treatment advances, half of men and women now survive cancer in Scotland. But early detection is key to further boosting survival rates.
“#GetChecked is part of the wee c initiative, which aims to bring cancer down to size in Scotland. Early detection is one way we can all help turn the Big C into the wee c and we’re calling on the people of Scotland to show their support by wearing their checks.
“Having the support of M&Co, Cancer Research UK’s charity partner, who will be displaying checks throughout their 60 stores will help create the association between checks and ‘getting checked’ and lead to early detection. We want to empower people to visit their GP or attend a screening appointment, as well as encouraging their loved ones to do the same.”
John Hodgson, Central Operations Manager at M&Co, said: “We’re delighted to be kick starting such a vital campaign in association with our charity partner Cancer Research UK. Through our network of 62 stores in towns and cities across Scotland, 750 employees and large number of customers we’re committed to helping reach as many people as possible with the early detection message.
“Most people have been or will be affected by cancer at some point in their lives. If we can play a part in encouraging people to get checked earlier with signs or symptoms so more lives can be saved, we’ll be extremely proud.”
Gregor McNie, Cancer Research UK’s senior policy manager, said: “More people than ever are living beyond a cancer diagnosis and, over the last 40 years, survival in the UK has doubled. Today half of all those told they have cancer will survive the disease for at least ten years.
“We know that early detection saves lives but to help make that happen it’s important that people with unusual or persistent changes to their body go and #GetChecked. It probably won’t be cancer, but if it is, diagnosing and treating it at an early stage, means treatment is more likely to be effective .”
For more information on #GetChecked and the wee c visit: www.theweec.org andwww.facebook.com/theweec
Macmillan Cancer Support is urging people to look out their trainers and sign up to support them at the Kilomathon on 29 March.
Participants can take on 13.1k or 6.5k making it the perfect race distance for those progressing from a 5k or 10k and the 2.62k junior race is a great opportunity for junior runners to participate in a fully chip timed race.
The route is picturesque and traffic free along Edinburgh’s scenic cycle routes and finishes with a bang (hopefully not too much of a bang? – Ed) at Murrayfield Stadium.
Fundraising Manager for Edinburgh, Jayne Forbes, said: “Running is a fantastic way to support Macmillan and the Kilomathon has a race distance to suit everyone. Knowing that every mile you cover is raising money for people affected by cancer will give you real motivation to keep going with your fitness programme.
“Whether you’re taking part for the first time or are a seasoned runner, we’ll be with you every step of the way. We provide comprehensive training, nutrition and kit advice, as well as very simple ideas to raise money.”
All the money raised from the run will be used to fund Macmillan’s vital cancer services, from specialist nurses and doctors, to help and advice for people who have financial problems as a result of their cancer.
For more information on taking on a run for Macmillan please contact fundraising@macmillan.org.uk or 0300 1000 200.
See all our running events at www.macmillan.org.uk/running
The MoonWalk Scotland’s amazing Pink Bus is back – and thanks to Lothian Buses, it’s en route to the Mad Hatter’s Midnight Tea Party! For the third year, Lothian Buses are uniting with MoonWalk organisers breast cancer charity Walk the Walk, as Official Transport Partner for the iconic night-time walking challenge.
The MoonWalk celebrates its 10th anniversary on 13 June this year, when thousands of women, men and young Walkers will join together at Edinburgh’s Inverleith Park to celebrate a decade of incredible Scottish fundraising and decorated bras, before setting off on their Walking challenges. With this year’s Alice in Wonderland inspired theme, organisers are expecting a night full of fun, wonder and madness!
Between now and The MoonWalk Scotland in June, Lothian Buses’ specially branded bright Pink Bus will once again become a familiar sight on bus routes all over Edinburgh and the Lothians, and will be the centre piece of several special roadshows in the build up to the event.
On the night itself, Lothian Buses will provide a special service from Edinburgh City Centre to Inverleith Park and will also transport hundreds of the charity’s fantastic Volunteers to and from their positions on The MoonWalk route. Participants in the New Moon challenge (6.55 miles) will also be chauffeured by Lothian Buses back from their finish line to MoonWalk City, where they will watch films in Walk the Walk’s huge Pink Tent.
Lothian Buses are not only providing the wheels to and from The MoonWalk Wonderland, but some of the company’s staff are also ditching their regular uniforms for Alice in Wonderland inspired costumes, as they take part in The MoonWalk themselves.
The MoonWalk Scotland has raised almost £18 million over the last ten years, with most of the money staying in Scotland, to help improve the lives of people with cancer. Walk the Walk makes a huge difference across the country, granting large amounts to projects and charities who would otherwise take many years to raise the money on their own.
There is a walking distance for every age and ability, from the 6.55 miles New Moon challenge, now in its third year, to the Half Moon (13.1 miles), Full Moon (26.2 miles) and for those wanting a thrilling new goal, the double marathon Over The Moon (52.4 miles).
Nina Barough CBE, Founder and Chief Executive of Walk the Walk said: “I am absolutely delighted that Lothian Buses are once again uniting with Walk the Walk as our Official Transport Partner for 2015, and especially as this year will be a big year, as we celebrate our ten years of MoonWalking in Scotland.
“Lothian Buses will have a busy night ahead of them, transporting our Walkers from the centre of Edinburgh to the best party in town at Inverleith, helping to deploy our Volunteers and Marshalls around the course, and collecting all our New Mooners from their Finish Line and delivering them back to MoonWalk City.
“And as for the incredible pink MoonWalk Scotland bus, it will be out on the streets of Edinburgh and the Lothians, always spreading the word – it’s a daily reminder to encourage people to sign up for The MoonWalk and help to really make a huge difference to people with breast cancer across Scotland.”
Tina McMurray, a Lothian Buses driver who is leading the company’s MoonWalkers on 13 June said: “We are delighted that once again thanks to the support of our employers, Lothian Buses, staff can get involved with The MoonWalk for the third year running. We are all really excited for the night itself and helping this great cause.”
Entries are now open for The MooonWalk Scotland 2015. To sign up as a walker or volunteer, go to www.walkthewalk.org/moonwalkscotland
Two Edinburgh College photography students have teamed up with Leith-based charity CCLASP (Children with Cancer and Leukaemia, Advice and Support for Parents) to give children affected by cancer a reason to smile by offering free family photoshoots to provide lasting memories.
The chance to carry out the shoots started after student Derek got chatting to his neighbour and founder of CCLASP, Valerie Simpson. As a way of helping the charity as well as furthering his photography skills, Derek offered to take pictures for the families that the charity supported. He then started carrying out photo sessions with his friend and fellow photography student, David Anderson.
One woman who is forever grateful to Derek and David is Claire Tasker from Kirkcaldy in Fife. After her little girl Jessica was diagnosed with Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), Claire says that CCLASP was a ‘godsend’.
While Jessica, now 6, has been in remission for the last two years Claire’s mum Kay was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer last February. With the family knowing that her mum didn’t have long after her diagnosis, Claire called on Derek and David to bring the family together for a shoot they would always remember.
Claire says that David and Derek were extremely good at making everyone feel relaxed and the pictures now decorate her house and have been given out as gifts to provide lasting memories of her mum, who sadly passed away in April at the age of 53.
Claire said: “It’s the last photos that we got of us all as a family. I was pregnant at the time so to be able to share that as a family just meant the world. It’s amazing to be able to look back and have those photos with my mum and with my daughter.”
While studies for their BA in Photography continue, David and Derek remain committed to working with CCLASP, photographing events and days out put on by the charity for children who are undergoing treatment or whose condition may be terminal. For the photographers, the family photo-shoots were a moving experience.
“It was a great opportunity to meet all the families, who are fantastically strong considering what they’re going through,” said David, 40, from East Lothian.
Derek, 35, from Leith, said: “We’ve met families from different areas, different walks of life. Their experience is very inspiring.”
CCLASP was set up by Valerie and Bill Simpson after their son Robert was diagnosed with leukaemia at the age of six. They started up the Edinburgh based children’s charity in 1994 to help support children and groups of families, to express and share the feelings, anxieties and the horror of having a child with a life threatening illness.
Sainsburys Blackhall are proud to have supported Dorothy and Joanna Bissett with their fundraising for Breakthrough Breast Cancer.
The ladies had organised a sponsored 5K run through Inverleith Park on 13 September to raise funds for Breakthrough breast cancer and Sainsburys Bakery Manager Scott McDowell from our Blackhall store made and donated 150 pink cupcakes to raise funds too!
Gail, Sainsbury’s Blackhall
