Summary
Strategic Issue 1
Many cancers are linked to modifiable risk factors (e.g. UV exposure, smoking, alcohol), suggesting a need for intensified public health campaigns and screening. From 2021 to 2022 there has been a rise in the 5-year prevalence of cancers: Basal Cell Carcinoma, Prostate, Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Colorectal. Whilst Breast Cancer prevalence has reduced it is still in the top 5 highest prevalent sites in Hartlepool.
What needs to be done
Work to address modifiable risk factors in the Borough, of which there is a high prevalence which increases the risk of developing cancer, such as the ones of highest prevalence. Increasing investment and service provision in smoking cessation, healthy eating and physical activity programmes will reduce the risk of modifiable factors. By addressing alcohol-use harm and mental health as part of prevention this will encourage both health-seeking care and the reduction of modifiable risk.
Strategic Issue 2
There is limited education for residents on early signs & symptoms and when/where to access diagnostic services, particularly those in areas of high deprivation and lower educational attainment where health literacy may be poor. Significant increases in Basal cell carcinoma and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma 5-year prevalence and increases in prostate and colorectal cancer highlight an urgent need for earlier detection and targeted prevention strategies.
What needs to be done
Early signs education to improve healthy literacy and identify signs and symptoms earlier for improved care and health outcomes. Within this, education on when and where to access diagnostic services or primary care. Collaboration with members of the local community to be Community Health Champions and Borough-wide social marketing to educate residents on early warning signs and next steps to diagnosis and treatment.
Strategic Issue 3
There is very little granular data which creates a barrier to service access by a lack of knowledge to where services and health promotion should be situated within the Borough. Data-driven targeting can be used to reach high risk groups.
What needs to be done
Improvements in data granularity on diagnosis, treatment and outcomes that includes geography, socioeconomic demographics and other social determinants.
Strategic Issue 4
Screening is lower than the ICB region and nation coverage for many programmes suggesting barriers exist. Hartlepool Health PCN has low rates of screening for Breast and Bowel cancers.
What needs to be done
Targeted intervention into increasing screening coverage through collaboration with PCNs, particularly in Hartlepool Health PCN which has the lowest coverage across the three PCNs.