To receive a report from Elaine Rashbrook, Director of Public Health.
Minutes:
The Director of Public Health explained that the main focus of the annual report was on cancer outcomes in Havering. Whilst the overall number of cancer cases in Havering was broadly in line with average figures, survival rates one year after diagnosis were lower then the national average. The main reason for this, in the view of the Director of Public Health, was a lack of awareness locally of the signs and symptoms of cancer. Risk factors such as weight and a lack of physical activity were not so widely known.
The report had made a number of recommendations including the development of campaigns to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancer, more training of GPs in identifying these, ensuring that GPs had access to diagnostic tests for cancer and better access to more modern surgical techniques such as laparoscopic surgery for bowel cancer.
Officers explained that an earlier stage of diagnosis and the provision of effective treatment were key to higher cancer survival rates. It was felt that local cancer treatment was as good as any similar service nationally. The emphasis would be on getting the best value for existing spending on cancer services locally.
Particularly poor rates of presentation were seen with bowel cancer in Havering – a type of cancer where early diagnosis was especially important. Some Members were unaware of the bowel cancer campaign although others had seen the advertisements which had also been presented at a previous meeting of the Committee.
Bowel cancer screening was offered in Havering on a five-year programme. There was approximately a 60% uptake with more women than men likely to complete the test. Screening was offered to people in Havering aged 60-69. Information about testing was given to GPs by a health promotion officer who visited surgeries. Other areas such as Westminster had been running bowel cancer screening for a longer period and were hence able to offer the service to a wider age range. An increased age range for screening would commence once a certain level of coverage had been achieved. The Director of Public Health would confirm the timescale for the age range offered in Havering. The Group Director – Adults and Health felt it was important to establish when the service would be offered to younger patients and also to consider best practice elsewhere.
Officers confirmed that no financial incentives were offered to Havering GPs to provide testing for bowel cancer. The Director of Public Health felt that there was a need for additional local campaigns to raise awareness of cancer. Areas prioritised in campaigns would be those where it was thought most difference could be made – bowel, breast and lung cancer. Focus would also be concentrated on the areas where survival rates were lowest – Gooshays, Heaton and Upminster wards.
A total of £300,000 would be spent on the campaign across three local PCT areas with £100,000 in Havering. Health officers were keen to engage the voluntary sector in order to ensure these funds went as far as possible. Members felt the awareness campaigns could be effective if used at the Havering Show and also if disseminated via social networks.
The Committee noted the presentation.