A series of multi-language videos have been created to raise awareness about the importance of cancer screening – and improve uptake in the area.

The videos have been produced in Mandarin, Punjabi, Ukranian, Bulgarian and Polish and are available to view and download on the newly created Cancer Champions website. They focus on breast, bowel and cervical cancer, as well as a general video to highlight signs and symptoms of cancer.

NHS Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin has partnered with Lingen Davies Cancer Fund and Oswestry-based Qube to deliver the Cancer Champions project - part of a national NHS England drive to address low engagement with health screening in the 20 percent most deprived communities.

Two Cancer Champion Coordinators were appointed in the county and have been working in the wider community to grow a network of volunteer recruits who will be Cancer Champions among their peers, simply raising awareness about the signs and symptoms of cancer, and encouraging people to take up cancer screening invitations.

The videos are available to download for organisations and GP practices to use in their own facilities, thereby further spreading awareness about the importance of cancer screening invitations – with reference to bowel, cervical and breast cancers.

Miranda Ashwell, Cancer Champions Project Lead for Lingen Davies’ LiveLife Cancer Awareness Service, said the videos form a powerful toolkit for any community-based organisation or health body to utilise, encouraging more people to take up cancer screening invitations in the fight against cancer.

“Cancer Screening is a hugely important way we can fight cancer and try and prevent cancer. Regular screenings save lives, and they are available freely on the NHS. The Cancer Champions project has been created to highlight cancer and create a network of people who can chat to peers about cancer.

“Shropshire and Telford are very diverse communities, and we know many people don’t engage with our health screening programmes because they simply cannot understand them. These multi-language videos have been produced by people in their native language, we know the messages are right, they are accessible, and these videos are freely available to anyone who wishes to share them.

“They are available on the website www.cancerchampions.co.uk to view and can be downloaded through a simple process. I would urge as many organisations as possible to access these and utilise them,” she added.

Tracey Jones, Deputy Director of Partners and Place for NHS Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, said: “We know that earlier diagnosis will increase positive outcomes for individuals. The work of the Cancer Champions will assist in ensuring we are spreading this message across all sectors of our communities. NHS STW are proud to be part of that work and will be sharing these resources across our provider services so more people can be directed to them.”

The Cancer Champions website www.cancerchampions.co.uk also features more information and guidance for those keen to find out more about the project and training to become a Cancer Champion themselves.