What needs are unmet?
Strategic Issue 1
Work needs to be undertaken to address modifiable risk factors in the Borough (such as smoking prevalence, diet and physical inactivity, alcohol use and mental health). With a high prevalence of modifiable risk factors within the Borough there is a higher risk of residents developing cancer.
Strategic Issue 2
Education for residents to improve health literacy, particularly in areas of high deprivation and lower educational attainment. Early signs and symptoms and information on when and where to access diagnostic services or primary care should be given.
Strategic Issue 3
There is a lack of granular data on cancer diagnosis, treatment and outcomes that includes geographic location, socioeconomic demographics and other social determinants. This creates a barrier to service access by lack of knowledge and targeted intervention where services and health promotion are most needed.
Strategic Issue 4
Targeted intervention into increasing the screening coverage, particularly in Hartlepool Health PCN which has the lowest coverage across the three PCNs.