Decision details

Cancer is a major cause of illness within the Borough and is an issue which the Board has asked to look at in further detail.

The information provided will highlight different types of cancer and their prevalence within the Borough, what cancer-related services are provided and how they perform.  Information will also highlight key cancer related strategies and guidance, as well as examples of approaches in other areas.

The Board will be asked to comment upon the information provided and decide what it can do in terms of system leadership to improve cancer services and outcomes for residents.

The Board:

(i)  Noted the problem of LBBD residents presenting themselves at a late stage of symptoms for medical assessment, either at their GPs or through other medical routes, and how this late presentation affected the treatment available and the subsequent survival rates;

(ii)  Noted that GP’s needed training in the tools available that would improve their identification of signs of cancer;

(ii)  Noted the need to improve residents’ knowledge of signs and symptoms that should be checked by a medical professional and the need to increase residents’ participation in medical screening / testing;

(iii)  Noted that rectal / colon and smoking related cancers were still of significant concern locally; and 

(iv)  Agreed to that a workshop session should be arranged to enable a more in-depth discussion between partners and stakeholders on how to provide future service delivery, improve residents’ knowledge and testing take-up rates.