Thames Valley Cancer Alliance

27/07/2025

Today is World Head and Neck Cancer Day.
Over 12,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with these cancers each year — but awareness is still far too low.
🔍 Know the warning signs:
*A sore throat or hoarse voice that won’t go away
* A lump in the neck
* Mouth ulcers or white/red patches that don’t heal
* Trouble swallowing or speaking

🛡️ Prevention matters:
• Stop smoking
• Reduce alcohol
• Get the HPV vaccine

👉 https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/head-neck-cancer

Let’s raise awareness, support early detection, and stand with those affected.

27/07/2025

Today is World Head and Neck Cancer Day.
Over 12,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with these cancers each year — but awareness is still far too low.
🔍 Know the warning signs:
*A sore throat or hoarse voice that won’t go away
* A lump in the neck
* Mouth ulcers or white/red patches that don’t heal
* Trouble swallowing or speaking

🛡️ Prevention matters:
• Stop smoking
• Reduce alcohol
• Get the HPV vaccine

📘 Learn more from Macmillan Cancer Support:
👉 https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/head-and-neck-cancers

Let’s raise awareness, support early detection, and stand with those affected.

25/07/2025

Genomics Education Day
13 October | Reading
A free one-day event for healthcare teams and professionals to learn about genomics in cancer care. Tickets are free.
Find out more and book here: https://thamesvalleycanceralliance.nhs.uk/genomics-education-day/

24/07/2025

23/07/2025

Junior Doctors Strike – 25 to 30 July
The BMA has announced that junior doctors will be striking from 7am Friday 25 July until 7am Wednesday 30 July. More info at: https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/information-for-the-public-on-industrial-action/
• If you have an appointment and we haven’t contacted you, please attend as planned. The NHS will get in touch if anything changes.
• Consultants and other NHS staff will continue working to provide safe care where possible.
• If you need urgent or emergency care, please contact us as normal – especially in serious or life-threatening situations.
We’re doing our best to minimise disruption, but some rescheduling may be necessary.

22/07/2025

Free BRCA gene testing for the Jewish community – now available through the NHS!
Ashkenazi Jews have a 1 in 40 chance of carrying a BRCA fault, increasing risk of breast, ovarian, prostate & pancreatic cancer.
🧬 This test could save lives.
Free : Quick : Expert support throughout
Register before 31 Oct 2025 at www.jewishbrca.org
Questions? Call 020 3437 6001 (Mon–Fri, 9–5; Wed till 7pm)
Please share with friends, family, or anyone who may benefit. ❤️
Find out more at: https://thamesvalleycanceralliance.nhs.uk/our-work/early-diagnosis-and-innovation/brca-testing-for-jewish-community/

18/07/2025

The 2025 GP Patient Survey results are in!
Patients are reporting a better experience with general practice, and more people are booking appointments and accessing records online.
See what’s changing ➡️ https://www.gp-patient.co.uk/

16/07/2025

This short video explains the importance of cervical screening for women. If you’ve missed your appointment or are putting it off, contact your GP practice today.

10/07/2025

Find out how many units are in your drink, or to check how much you're drinking.
Visit Alcohol Change UK's alcohol calculator here: https://alcoholchange.org.uk/alcohol-facts/interactive-tools/unit-calculator

10/07/2025

Stay safe in the heat – especially if you've had or are having cancer treatment.
Some chemotherapy drugs can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, even years after treatment. Check with your cancer team if you need to take extra care.
Top tips in a heatwave:
* Stay in the shade (11am–3pm)
* Wear loose, cool clothing and SPF 30+
* Drink plenty of water
* Keep your home cool
Find out more here: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/impacts-of-cancer/travel/taking-care-on-holiday

08/07/2025

Long hours, stress, blurred lines between work & home, or peer pressure at workplace socials are some of the ways work and alcohol are linked.
This , Alcohol Change UK are opening the conversation about the relationship between alcohol and work. https://tinyurl.com/AlcoholAwarenessWeek