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Barts Cancer Centre in the news

Positive thinking for cancer patients, BBC Radio 4 World Service  Newshour programme - 24 million listeners - 9 February ‘12

BBC Radio 4’s The World Tonight hosted a discussion about the merits of positive thinking for people who have been diagnosed with cancer.  The Trust’s Head of Nursing,  Cancer Services, Claire Murrell, who joined the studio panel, agreed there could be benefits, but warned against the risk of making things worse for patients who did not feel particularly positive.

MP slams cancer treatments ‘lottery’, Hartlepool Mail – Friday 10 February ‘12

“Easington MP Grahame Morris has slammed the “shocking” difference in cancer treatments available in the north-east compared to London”.  The paper reported that one of his constituents is due to start cyberknife treatment shortly at Barts Cancer Centre.  Mr Morris told the paper: “Is it not a scandal that he has to travel 260 miles to do so?”   

'Radioactive paint’ could cure skin cancer tumours in two hours - Huffington Post – 2.9million visitors per month – 6 January 2012

We organised for skin cancer specialist Professor Rino Cerio to give his opinion on a new, non-surgical skin cancer treatment that uses radioactive paint and could save up to 3,000 lives per year. Dr Cerio described the latest trials as “an important development as skin cancer is a huge problem in the UK with numbers rising each year.”

Thyroid cancer discussion, BBC World Service– 44.7 million listeners – 8 January ‘12

Trust Consultant ENT Surgeon Mike Dilkes spoke on Newshour – the BBC’s leading international news and current-affairs programme – about Argentinian president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner’s misdiagnosis of thyroid cancer. Cristina’s thyroid was found to be cancer free after being needlessly removed. Mr Dilkes discussed the prognosis for a patient after thyroid removal and the procedure’s implications on their long-term health.

Heed early warnings of breast and lung cancers, The Docklands and East London Advertiser – 24,000 readers – 5 January ‘12

In ongoing coverage of our ‘small c’ campaign, the article highlighted the importance of people visiting their GP in the new year to boost cancer survival rates. Trust Clinical Oncologist Dr Tom Powles encouraged people to visit their doctor in 2012 and a full list of symptoms for lung and breast cancer – two focus areas of the campaign – was also included in the article.

Why staying positive won’t speed your recovery, Daily Mail – 2.1million readers – 2 January ‘12

The Trust’s Head of Cancer Nursing, Claire Murrell, spoke about her concern that “too many people are urged to be positive after a cancer diagnosis when they need to be realistic and realise they will experience emotional lows.” Her comments were included in an article that explored whether a patient’s positive attitude helps or hinders their recovery.

Small C New Year’s Resolution story

We proactively issued a New Year press release to media about the importance of making health a priority in the coming 12 months.   Trust Clinical Oncologist, Dr Tom Powles, suggested people make it a New Year resolution to make an appointment to see their GP in 2012 if they spot any possible cancer symptoms.  The ‘small c’ cancer campaign aims to boost cancer survival rates by telling people what the key cancer symptoms are so they can get checked out. 

We organised interviews with Dr Powles on the following outlets:

LBC Radio – 373,000 listeners – 24 December ‘11

BBC London Television – 500,000 viewers – 29 December ‘11

BBC Radio London 94.9 – 474,000 listeners – 29 December ‘11

The following print articles also appeared:

Make visit to GP your resolution

East End Life – 80,000 readers – 16 December ‘11

Dr Powles and campaign supporter Frances Clarke were both quoted in this half page column encouraging people to visit their GP in the new year as part of the ‘small c’ campaign.

Doctor steps up the East End’s campaign to improve cancer survival rates, The Docklands and East London Advertiser – 24,000 readers – 30 December ‘11

Dr Powles said if people are trying to stick to one New Year’s resolution it should be to visit their GP in 2012. “The earlier the cancer is spotted, the better the survival rate”.

Students teach younger peers cancer awareness, Newham Recorder – 14 December ‘11

Sixth formers at St Bonaventure’s school have been teaching younger pupils how to save lives as part of the small c campaign. The students have been running workshops on how to spot the signs and symptoms of lung cancer to encourage local families to visit their GPs at the first sign of the illness.  Seventeen-year-old Taariq Miah said “lung cancer is often thought of as being very scary and some people put off going to their GP if they suspect they have it.”

Small c campaign - how early diagnosis saves lives - Channel S TV – 500,000 viewers – most viewed Bengali TV station in UK -Wednesday 9 Nov

We organised guests for the above discussion which covered all the key messages of our small c campaign.  Barts and The London Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nahar Khalisadar and local GP Dr Liliana Risi both reinforced the need for people to be aware of possible cancer symptoms and consult their GP promptly.

Small c television report - Channel S TV – Tuesday 8 and Thursday 10 Nov

We set up elements for a three minute-long pre-recorded news package about the small c campaign and its importance.  Consultant Surgeon Shafi Ahmed outlined the campaign messages in full, while a former patient spoke about his successful treatment for lung cancer thanks to his own vigilance and early diagnosis.

Promises on care standards to breast cancer patients - East London Advertiser – 28 October ’11 – 12,000 readers

“Barts and The London have signed up to a breast cancer service pledge, ensuring every patient receives gold standard care based on a written set of promises.    Former Editor of BBC Woman’s Hour, Sally Feldman, who was successfully treated for breast cancer at Barts and said:  ‘A lot of the things in the service pledge were happending when I had my treatment last year, but it’s great these are now in the form of written promises’.”

Click on following link and go to page 12:  http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/launch.aspx?referral=other&refresh=8k1ZE03acB05&PBID=9818a089-581b-4a32-aca3-057ae08b1168&skip

Small c campaign coverage -MP backs vital campaign raising importance of breast self-examination - Newham Recorder – 26 October ’11 – 12,000 readers

“West Ham MP Lyn Brown has visited Barts Hospital to support an NHS campaign that aims to save thousands of lives annually thorugh early detection of cancer.  She is backing the small c campaign which aims to raise awareness about the benefits of early detetion of breast cancer through regular self-examination”.

‘Small c’ campaign, Betar Bangla Radio – 27 Sep ‘11

Consultant oncologist, Tom Powles, did a two hour live radio guest spot to talk about the small c campaign.   He outlined the key messages including the top 5 symptoms for breast and lung cancer.  He also took calls during the programme, advising listeners on how to adopt a healthier lifestyle and stressing the benefit of early diagnosis.

Llangwnnadl woman recovering from cancer after pioneering stem cell treatment -Liverpool Daily Post – circulation 10,000 – 17 September ‘11

Annie Horsley, who nearly died after developing both cancer and an auto-immune condition, has made a dramatic recovery after receiving a stem cell transplant performed by Professor John Gribben at Barts Cancer Centre.    Her younger sister, Katie, was found to be a perfect donor match and Annie told the newspaper:  “I have her to thank for my new life and Professor John Gribben, who was willing to try this treatment.”  

‘Small c’ campaign and the Muslim community - NTV – 300,000 viewers in 26 countries – 31 July ‘11

Lead cancer nurse, Nuala Close, appeared on the Bengali channel NTV’s Sunday afternoon health slot to talk about the ‘small c’ campaign.  A regular spokesperson for the campaign, she explained in great detail the five key symptoms for lung and breast cancer.  She also flagged up the importance of catching cancer when it is small, so that treatment is less intensive and the chances of recovery are higher.  The address of the ‘small c’ website – offering detailed further information - was given many times during the broadcast yesterday afternoon. 

Spotting cancer early saves lives - Muslim News – 30,000 readers – 29 July ‘11

 ‘An NHS campaign launches today alerting people to the five warning signs of breast cancer and lung cancer, which require immediate GP attention.  The ‘small c’ campaign aims to show that most cancers can be successfully treated if caught when they are small and vulnerable to treatment.’ 

We are continuing to push for coverage of the campaign across all media and will keep you updated. 

Tanning:  Let the sunshine in - The Independent – 175,000 – 26 July ’11

‘Tanning gets so much bad press we risk losing sight of the facts.  So, is it time we stopped being so scared of the sun?’

Consultant oncologist, Professor Tim Oliver, told the newspaper that the body needed vitamin D, formed when bare skin is exposed to sunlight.  As well as helping to build a robust immune system, Professor Oliver said it could help stave off depression and some cancers.

BBC World Service Radio – 21 July ’11 – weekly audience reach 188m

‘A study of one million women, published in The Lancet Oncology, found that being taller led to a 16% increased risk of developing the 10 most common cancers’.

Dr Tom Powles, a consultant clinical oncologist at Barts Cancer Centre, gave a three minute interview about the possible causes behind the findings, outlining how growth hormones might be linked to cancer.  The presenter name-checked Barts Cancer Centre twice during the broadcast.

Vitamin A may be key to fighting pancreatic cancer’

This was a story we issued proactively to media about an international research project, involving staff from the Trust and Barts Cancer Institute, that aims to halt the spread of pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest forms of the disease. 

The team discovered that injecting vitamin A into non-cancerous tissue surrounding the cancerous area appeared to hinder the tumour’s growth.  Clinical trials may now go ahead following the four year long collaborative effort between Barts and teams in Cambridge and the Netherlands.

The story was picked up by various newspapers and websites including the following:   

• Emaxhealth website – 12 July ‘11

‘Vitamin A may be key to fighting pancreatic cancer’  www.emaxhealth.com/1275/vitamin-may-be-key-fighting-pancreatic-cancer

• Daily Express –  600,000 readers - 12 July ‘11

‘Vitamin A could hold key to a killer cancer’

• Daily Mirror – 1.1m readers - 12 July ‘11

‘Broccoli could be key to the treatment of pancreatic cancer’

• Yorkshire Post –

‘Injections hope for cancer sufferers’

• News Tonight website – 11 July ‘11

‘Vitamin A – a solution to reduce pancreatic cancer’

‘Small c’ cancer awareness campaign

We are continuing to generate media coverage of the ‘small c’ campaign.  Its aim is to deliver clear information about the five main symptoms of lung and breast cancer and to encourage people to seek medical advice as soon as possible if they spot any of the signs.  The key message is that more people will survive if they are diagnosed earlier and receive treatment when the cancer is smaller and more vulnerable to treatment. 

Articles appeared this week in the following publications, as well as on their websites:

• Bangla News – circulation 23,000 – 15 July ‘11
• Muslim Post – 150,000 readers weekly - full page 15 July ‘11
• Bangla Times –  circulation 15,000 – 15 July ’11
• Muslim Weekly – 50,000 – 15 July ‘11

We will also be targeting other ethnic media, including radio stations and television channels, over the next few weeks.

Macmillan Cancer report says 4 in 10 will get cancer

The charity warned this week that rising cancer rates mean four in 10 people will get the disease at some point in their lives.  They say that as people live longer, the NHS “faces a massive challenge”.

We proactively offered up one of our consultant oncologists, Dr Tom Powles, to the following outlets, (below), to talk about why more people were being diagnosed with the disease.  Dr Powles cited the ‘small c’ cancer awareness campaign as an example of how higher diagnosis rates could be viewed as positive.  He also spoke at length about how innovative treatments and therapies were pushing up survival rates                  

• LBC Radio – 935,000 listeners – 14 July ‘11
• BBC News Channel – 400,000 viewers – 14 July ‘11

Basildon Recorder – 12,000 circulation – 7 July ‘11 -Councillor Geoff’s bus lung cancer campaign

In an article about raising awareness of lung cancer, Basildon councillor Geoff Williams, described his successful treatment for lung cancer at Barts and the moment his consultant told him he was cured.

The bravest bride - Worcester News – Monday 20 June

‘A young woman who fears she will die from a terminal bowel disease will marry days before she goes into hospital for the radical treatment that could save her life.’  The newspaper reported that Beth Dobson, who has an aggressive form of Crohn’s disease is waiting for a “revolutionary” stem cell transplant to be performed at Barts.

'small c' cancer campaign - media launch on 15 June

Below is the media summary of the coverage, so far, for the 'small c' cancer campaign, which aims to alert people to the early warning signs of cancer, so that it can be diagnosed at an early stage, when it is small and more vulnerable to treatment.

Our Comms team is handling all communications for the campaign, which involves public health colleagues across north east London, as well as local GPs, pharmacists and community groups. 

A crucial part of the communications strategy is generating media coverage, and the media launch on 15 June at The Royal London resulted in widespread pick-up of the story by television, radio, online and print. 

This is an ongoing process and we will continue to push for further media coverage over the coming months as the small c campaign builds.

Television coverage

BBC London – audience 400,000 - 15 June

They ran a substantial package in their evening programme.  It included an interview with Barts Cancer Centre Clinical Oncologist, Dr Tom Powles, as well as interviews with two of the many cancer survivor case-studies whom we’d set up ahead of launch day.

ITV London Tonight – audience 350,000 – 15 June

They also ran a package in their teatime programme.  It included a lengthy interview with Barts Cancer Centre Director, Professor Nick Lemoine, as well as two of our case-studies, who both had their cancer diagnosed in time for it to be successfully treated.      

Local newspapers

The Hackney Gazette – circulation c20,000, including online  – Wednesday 15 June
Small c cancer campaign lauches today in Hackney

‘Hackney cancer survivors are backing the NHS ‘small c’ campaign that launched today, hoping to improve cancer survival in the borough by helping people spot the early warning signs.’

The newspaper carried an interview with a lung cancer survivor and stressed the importance of spotting cancer symptoms early enough for the disease to be successfully treated.   

The East London Advertiser –  circulation 24, 000 including online -  Thursday 23 June
Early diagnosis that can prevent deaths

‘Doctors have launched a campaign to make more people aware of the symptoms for lung and breast cancer in a bid to improve survival rates.’

The newspaper listed the five warning symptoms for both lung and breast cancer and also included lung cancer survivor Jane Malone’s account of how a ten minute trip to her GP for advice about a lingering cough saved her life. 

The Newham Recorder – circulation c20,000 including online – Thursday 23 June 
Cancer does not have to be a death sentence

‘Health experts have joined forces with a charity to raise awareness about cancer and reduce deaths from the disease.  The Small C campaign was launched by Barts and The London NHS Trust to improve cancer survival rates in north east London.’    

Council free sheets

East End Life – circulation 87,000 free copies a week – Monday 20 June
Don’t delay if you think you might have cancer

‘A woman who survived lung cancer because doctors caught it early is encouraging people to visit their GPs if they have any hint that something might be wrong.’

The newspaper carried a case-study interview and listed, in full, the five warning signs that could indicate lung and breast cancer.  

Newham Mag - circulation c90,000 free copies a week - Monday 20 June
Breast and Lung Cancer: The early WARNING SIGNS

'A unique health campaign is underway in Newham alerting people to the five warning signs of breast and lung cancer which require immediate GP attention.'

The article carried a full list of potential symptoms for both lung and breast cancer. 

Hackney Today – circulation 90,000 free copies a week – Monday 20 June
Don’t ignore the ‘small c’

‘Local NHS services have launched a campaign to alert residents to the warning signs of breast and lung cancer.  The ‘small c’ campaign hopes to help people recognised cancer indicators early, when treatment has the best chance of success.’  

Radio

BBC 94.9 : Breakfast Programme  - 500,000 audience reach - Wednesday 15 June  

Trust Lead Cancer Nurse Nuala Close and case-study Frances Clarke were interviewed during a four minute slot which discussed the campaign’s aims and  Frances’ experience following her early diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer.

BBC 94.9 : Drivetime Programme - 500,000 audience reach - Wednesday 15 June   

Consultant Clinical Oncologist, Dr Tom Powles, was interviewed at 1820 about the campaign and explained the importance of people taking responsibility for spotting the early warning signs of cancer.

LBC Radio 97.3 (which syndicates to Heart and Classic FM national stations)  - 950,000 audience reach - Wednesday 15 June 

Lead Cancer Nurse, Nuala Close, was interviewed at length about the aims of the campaign and the programme also interviewed our case study.

Sunrise Radio (London)  - audience reach 370,000 - Wednesday 15 June 

Case-study Frances Clarke and Medical Oncologist Jeremy Steele were interviewed about the campaign on Sunrise, which is the UK's most-listened-to Asian radio station.

Online

BBC News London – 11m users in May -  15 June
Early warning breast and lung cancer campaign started

‘A campaign is being started in four London boroughs to alert people to signs of breast cancer and lung cancer.  The 'small c' campaign is being launched in Waltham Forest, Hackney, Tower Hamlets and Newham.’ 

The article also listed in full the five early warning signs for both lung and breast cancer and carried links to breast and lung cancer sections of the small c campaign’s website.

Click to read: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-13775749

Specialist nurses boost care for lung cancer patients - Nursing Times – circulation 31,000 – Tuesday 24 May 2011

‘Lung cancer patients who see a specialist cancer nurse are more than twice as likely to receive active treatment for the disease as those who do not, a major study has shown’.  The report said that there was a six-fold difference in the proportion of lung cancer patients receiving potentially life-saving surgery – with 31.4% at Barts and The London NHS Trust compared with just 5.3% of patients at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust.

Brentwood woman battles cancer twice to fence in European contest - London24 website – Friday 27 May 2011

‘A Shenfield woman who has battled breast cancer twice, will be competing in a fencing European championship next week – exactly a year after being diagnosed with the disease’.  The paper said Mariette Mason was now fundraising for Barts and Macmillan Cancer Support.  She described staff from both as:  “a source of invaluable advice, sensitive support, guidance and comfort  …. Raising money for these two fantastic organisations is a way of saying a very sincere thank you”. 

Daily Mail  – circulation 2m  –  3 May ‘11 - The £20 blood test that could have shown my bloating was cancer

A woman whose ovarian cancer was diagnosed by GPs too late for her to avoid a full hysterectomy praised the care she received at The Royal London where she eventually referred herself as an emergency and was subsequently treated.

Childhood Eye Cancer 

Last week was Childhood Eye Cancer Week and, as one of only two Trusts in the UK capable of treating the condition, we received many interview requests for our experts, including Consultant Opthalmologist, Ashwin Reddy.  The following outlets carried substantial interviews with Ashwin, explaining how to spot the condition and what treatment is necessary, with the following media outlets:    ITV London Tonight – viewers 200,000 – 2 minute news package;  BBC News online – 14m unique users a week.

Bryan Robson treated for throat cancer – 16 March 2011

We set up an interview for the Press Association with Consultant ENT Surgeon, Mike Dilkes, about former England player Bryan Robson’s treatment for throat cancer.  The interview, in which Mr Dilkes was optimistic about Robson’s recovery, was carried on PA’s website and subsequently picked up by several big news websites, as well as The Independent.

• Press Association – subscribed to by all mainstream UK media
• The Independent – circulation 175,000
• Yahoo 
• Sporting Life   

Boots (The Chemist) January 2011

Macmillan and BLT Lead Cancer Nurse, Nuala Close, featured prominently in a double-page photo feature in the current edition of Boots (The Chemist) magazine.  She spoke about the emotional, medical and practical support she and colleagues offer cancer victims and their families.