Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance will train gym staff to raise awareness about cervical cancer this January.
Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance is training staff at gyms, yoga studios, leisure centres, and other health and wellbeing settings in the region to encourage their customers to attend their cervical cancer screening appointments, and educate them about the symptoms of the disease during January - Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.
The Cancer Alliance has delivered free Cancer Champions training to staff members in low screening take-up areas in Humber and North Yorkshire, and will continue to do so throughout the month, in a bid to raise awareness among communities.
This training is designed to equip the staff with the skills to have conversations about cervical cancer with their customers. By taking part, staff at these gyms, leisure centres, and yoga studios can raise awareness about cervical cancer symptoms and reduce barriers which may stop customers from booking their screening appointment.
Gyms, yoga studios, and leisure centres taking part in the campaign include:
- Barbelle Scarborough
- Live Well (East Riding Yorkshire)
- Claire Roach Yoga
Click here to view the full list of participating gyms and fitness centres.
Two women die of cervical cancer in the UK every day, yet almost every case is preventable. The best way to reduce your risk of cervical cancer is to attend your cervical screening appointment if you are invited.
However in some parts of Humber and North Yorkshire - a region which includes the cities of Hull and York, along with rural areas across East Yorkshire, North Yorkshire and North and North East Lincolnshire - as few as four in 10 women or people with a cervix attend their cervical screening appointment (compared to a national average of almost seven on 10).
All women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 are invited by letter to attend a cervical screening appointment to check the health of their cervix. It can be uncomfortable, but not as painful as people might fear. The actual examination takes just a minute (the entire appointment takes just 10 minutes) and could save your life.
Cervical screening helps to prevent cervical cancer by checking for a virus called high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes nearly all cervical cancers. This means any cervical cell abnormalities can be treated. If left untreated, these cells can develop into cancer.
Dr Tami Byass, a GP at Eastgate Medical Group, Hornsea, said:
“My message to women and people with a cervix is to please attend your cervical screening appointment when invited and see your GP if you have any concerning symptoms. It is also important to know what is normal for you, so you can spot signs of cervical cancer in the earliest stages.
“Some of the main symptoms to be aware of are vaginal bleeding that is unusual for you – including bleeding during or after sex, between your periods or after the menopause, or heavier periods than usual; pain during sex; and changes to your vaginal discharge.”
Visit HNY Cancer Alliance's website to find out more about the campaign, and how you can help to promote awareness among your community.
Dredging Boost for Whitby and Scarborough Harbours as Restrictions Relaxed
Scarborough MP: New and Exciting Things Opening Up
Scarborough Athletic Face South East Hike
Whitby Town Chase Rushall Double
Bridlington Town Back At Home With Consett Tuning Up
Operation Scooter Targets Moped and Motorcycle Theft in Eastfield and Filey
Scarborough and Bridlington Rugby Try To Stay On Top
Pickering Town's Destination is Doncaster
Challenges for North Yorkshire Moors Railway as Historic Bridge Repairs Hit Complications
Goodbye and Thank You to Whitby RNLI Chairman, Mike Major
Police Appeal After Night-time Assault in Whitby
Scarborough Darts Players Push Professionals In UK Open
Comments
Add a comment