Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance

27/01/2026

A Chorlton woman undergoing treatment for cancer is urging women and people with a cervix across to attend their cervical screening appointments when invited.
Siobhan Kennedy, 36, was diagnosed with cervical cancer in April 2024 after she previously missed her cervical screening test a few years earlier. She underwent radiotherapy and brachytherapy which successfully removed the cancer from her cervix.
However, a scan in October 2024 revealed the cancer had spread to her lungs. The disease is now metastatic and incurable.
Siobhan is sharing her story to help others.
She said: “I got the text inviting me to book a smear but then I forgot about it and life got in the way. I had a busy job working in care, and I was looking after my mum. You always think it’s not going to affect you.
“But now if any of my friends tell me they’ve not been, I tell them to get it booked! No one wants to go through what I’ve been through!
“I know everyone is busy but even if it means taking time off work or being late for seeing your friends it’s worth it – so that you can make sure you are still seeing your friends in years to come.”
See the link in our comments to read Siobhan’s story in full.

27/01/2026

News for Altrincham residents!

The NHS will soon be offering free lung health checks to smokers and ex-smokers aged 55-74 who are registered with a GP in Altrincham.

The free checks are available to people aged 55-74 who are past and current smokers registered with a GP based at the following practices:

• Park Medical Practice WA15 7XR
• Altrincham Medical Practice WA14 2DD
• Shay Lane Medical Centre (Kelman) WA15 8NZ
• West Timperley Medical Centre WA14 5PF
• St Johns Medical Centre WA14 1PF

Look out for an invite in the post or via text message.

The checks are quick, free and they could ultimately save your life by finding lung cancer at an early stage, before you may have symptoms. Most people will get reassurance that everything is OK.

27/01/2026

Skin cancer doesn’t hibernate!

Remember to check your skin even in winter.

If you notice any changes to the size, shape or colour of your moles, have a mole that’s crusty, bleeding or inflamed, itchy or painful or new unusual marks on your skin that don’t go away after a few weeks, then your GP wants to see you.

Don’t wait until summer get it checked now. The chances are it won’t be skin cancer but if it is finding it as early as possible can mean it is easier to treat.

27/01/2026

As we welcome entries into the upcoming Greater Manchester Cancer Awards, we’re looking back at previous winners. Todays spotlight is on the Outstanding Care Award, which recognises individuals or teams who really go the extra mile to improve outcomes and experiences for patients living with and beyond cancer in Greater Manchester.

In 2024, this award was won by the Tameside’s Advanced Cancer Nurse Specialist team, who deliver a specialised cancer nursing service to support patients who are newly diagnosed with advanced cancers. The needs of individuals with advanced cancer and their families are often reported as unmet, and require an individualised approach to improving each person’s experience, something our judges felt this project addressed.

Our judges said: “We felt that this entry provided outstanding care for cancer patients through a holistic approach. The team identified an unmet need and worked collaboratively with the local stakeholders to develop this service.”

27/01/2026

We are proud to jointly organise Lung Cancer Screening in with Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.

With lung cancer rates in the North West significantly higher than the national average, early diagnosis is vital. Detecting small, hard to reach lung cancers can be difficult, but clinicians at Wythenshawe Hospital in Manchester are leading the way in Europe by using robotic guided biopsy technology to diagnose lung cancer earlier.

The technology uses a thin, flexible catheter with a camera, guided by 3D navigation created from a patient’s CT scans. This allows doctors to accurately reach small lesions deep within the lungs that were previously difficult or impossible to access.

This innovative technology, alongside the NHS Lung Screening Programme, is helping detect lung cancer earlier, when it is easier to treat, improving patient outcomes and saving thousands of lives.

In Greater Manchester alone, more than 1,200 cancers have been detected from lung screening – the first region to achieve this key milestone.

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance NHS

26/01/2026

Cervical screening won’t detect ovarian, womb or other gynaecological cancers.

If you notice symptoms like pain, bloating, or unexplained bleeding, even if you’ve recently had your cervical screening, don’t ignore it.

Cancer doesn’t care, but we do. Speak to your GP.

26/01/2026

Are you experiencing any unusual symptoms that could be cancer?

Chances are your symptoms aren’t cancer – but if they are - the sooner we find cancer, the easier it is to treat.

Don’t delay – contact your GP today.

26/01/2026

The National Cancer Patient Experience Survey (NCPES) runs every year, giving patients the chance to share their experiences of cancer care. Your feedback helps us improve our services.
If you’re 16+, have a primary cancer diagnosis, and were discharged after treatment between April–June this year, you may be invited to take part.

Find out more and complete the survey.

23/01/2026

Please sign your child’s HPV vaccine consent form when you receive it.

Most people under the age of 25 are eligible and will only need a single dose.

Find out more about the HPV vaccine ➡️ https://bit.ly/45fnEjA

23/01/2026

Screening for cancer won’t detect them all. Even if you have had a normal screening test, don’t ignore new or worsening symptoms.

Cancer doesn’t care, but we do. If you’re worried, speak to your GP.

23/01/2026

Cold or hot, sunny or not… Remember to check your skin this Winter

Pay particular attention to areas that will be covered up such as backs and legs
See a GP if:
• you have a mole that’s changed size, shape or colour
• you have a mole that’s painful or itchy
• you have a mole that’s inflamed, bleeding or crusty
• you have a new or unusual mark on your skin that has not gone away after a few weeks

Finding a skin cancer as early as possible can mean it’s easier to treat.

23/01/2026

It’s Friday which means our cancer awareness roadshow team are out and about.
🚌 Today they are parked up at Asda Eastlands opposite Etihad Stadium
🕣 10am-4pm
✅ Pop in for a chat and pick up some information about how to spot cancer symptoms quickly.
✅ Find out about cancer screening you might be eligible for such as cervical, bowel, breast and lung cancer screening.
Can’t make it down? Search “This Van Can” for further dates and more information online.
We are proud to have information available onboard from a range of charities including: and more…