What needs to be done and why?
Strategic Issue 1
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.
Why
There is a high prevalence of modifiable risk factors within the Borough which increases the risk of developing cancer, such as the ones of highest prevalence. This is corroborated by Cancer Research UK who state lifestyle changes could prevent 4 in 10 cancer cases and academic literature stating lifestyle changes are increasingly effective in cancer risk prevention10. This is important in Hartlepool where of the top 5 cancers with greatest prevalence; BCC, Prostate, Breast, cutaneous SCC and Colorectal, have some modifiable risk factors associated with them.
Strategic Issue 2
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.
Why
By collaborating with members of the local community such as schools, employers, faith groups and community hubs and creating Borough-wide generalised social marketing efforts to educate residents on early warning signs and next steps to diagnosis and treatment. This would benefit those diagnosed with early-stage cancer as it is more treatable at earlier stages (Cancer Research UK). This is relevant to all cancer types, though the top 5 highest prevalence cancers in Hartlepool in particular.
Strategic Issue 3
What needs to be done
Improvements in data granularity on diagnosis, treatment and outcomes that includes geography, socioeconomic demographics and other social determinants.
Why
Lack of granular data creates a barrier to service access by lack of knowledge and targeted intervention where services and health promotion are most needed. Improving data granularity will improve reach to high-risk groups through targeted screening and outreach. Identifying gaps in care quality and access will allow for the expansion of screening and promotion efforts. Overall this will create targeted intervention that reduces inequalities in diagnosis and care. This is relevant to all cancer types, though the top 5 highest prevalence cancers in Hartlepool in particular.
Strategic Issue 4
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.
Why
Collaboration with PCNs to improve screening coverage within the network will reduce health inequalities as in line with Core20PLUS5 frameworks. Identifying areas with lower screening and referrals will reduce barriers to care for residents registered with General Practice surgeries within the targeted network and look to improve access, whether geographical or financial, to screening in that area. This is relevant to all cancer types, though the top 5 highest prevalence cancers in Hartlepool in particular. Hartlepool Health PCNs coverage of Breast and Bowel cancer is the lowest of the three PCNs.