Cancer Prevention
Information for patients
- Keeping Well page on Cancer Matters Wessex
- Information on the causes of cancer and reducing risk
- NHS Better Health – Free tools and support to help people lose weight, get active or stop smoking. Includes links to a range of apps including Quit Smoking, Couch to 5k and Drink Free Days plus a search function for local support services.
- Our Dorset Video Library have a range of case study videos to inspire people to get moving.
Useful resources
The following Cancer Research UK resources can be displayed in GP surgeries.
Smoking
Smoking is the single most avoidable risk factor for cancer.
Further information
- Cancer Research UK e-cigarette hub – Information for health professionals including evidence, patient information and FAQs
- South East England position statement on e-cigarettes 2021 – Summary of the latest evidence and best practice guidance
Training and education
- 30 seconds to save a life – Very Brief Advice (VBA) training for smoking cessation. VBA is an evidenced based form of simple advice designed to be used opportunistically in less than 30 seconds.
- Behaviour change and cancer prevention – 30-minute RCGP module for healthcare professionals who would like to promote behaviour change around smoking, obesity and alcohol consumption.
- VBA for smoking cessation podcast – This short (15 minutes) and downloadable podcast for healthcare professionals highlights the importance of smoking cessation for patients and how to use ‘Very Brief Advice’ (VBA) in a consultation.
Obesity
Keeping a healthy weight reduces the risk of 13 different types of cancer and yet many people are not aware of the link.
Further information
- Obesity and cancer – The latest research on obesity and cancer
- Let’s talk about weight – Tips and practical advice on how to discuss weight loss with patients.
- Moving Medicine – Evidence, tools and training to help you integrate physical activity conversations into routine care
Training and education
- The health benefits of physical activity: cancer – 30-minute BMJ Learning online course on the effectiveness of physical activity as a preventer of cancer and an essential part of its treatment.
- Understanding physical activity and cancer – Macmillan e-learning course to help you raise awareness of the importance of physical activity.
- Moving Healthcare Professionals – Physical activity champion training for practices and support resources to promote physical activity
- Dorset – Active Dorset offers free training to healthcare professionals to support people to move more.
- Hampshire – Physical activity clinical champions training – Free sessions on integrating physical activity advice into everyday clinical practice provided by Energise Me.
Staff Health and Wellbeing
Your health and wellbeing is important too – here are some additional resources you might find useful:
- NHS England – Supporting our NHS people – Details of the support available from the National Health and Wellbeing Programme including the Digital Weight Management Programme
- NHS Professionals Health and Wellbeing Hub – Resources, ideas, and guidance to help you manage your mental and physical health and wellbeing including information on how to access your free Whealthy Plan
- Here For Each Other by Our Dorset – Information and guidance on health and wellbeing including tips to eat well and free fitness videos and apps, as well as access to bespoke 1:1 support, for NHS and care sector workers in Dorset
- LiveWell Dorset – Information and guidance on weight management, becoming more physically active, stopping smoking and drinking less, and access to free health coaching, for residents in Dorset.
- Hampshire and Isle of Wight – People Portal – Information and guidance on healthy lifestyles and access to confidential health and wellbeing support for people working in the NHS and Primary Care services across Hampshire and Isle of Wight
Physical Activity
- Tips and practical advice on how to be more active at work – Active Dorset and Energise Me – Hampshire and Isle of Wight
- Health Service Discounts and Blue Light Card – Exclusive discounts for NHS and Healthcare workers including gym memberships
Initiatives that practices can sign up to encourage staff to increase their physical activity: