Spurs claim an ‘overwhelming response’ to the Get to know cancer campaign

Tottenham Hotspur has today announced that it will be supporting NHS England’s (London) ‘Get to know cancer’ campaign next season, following what the Club has called an ‘overwhelming response’ this year.

The campaign, which is designed to boost early detection of cancer through better understanding of the symptoms, has included nurses and cancer activists hosting awareness-raising pop up stalls at home games, the opening of a pop up clinic close to White Hart Lane, and a number of other events and online activities supported by Spurs players.

A recent survey shows that:

Over half of fans who took part in a recent survey said the knowledge they had gained from the campaign had changed the length of time they would usually wait to get advice about unexplained changes in their health.

A number of supporters had also been prompted to seek medical advice, further demonstrating the success of the campaign.

Improving the understanding of cancer symptoms is critical to early detection – yet most Londoners can only name a lump as a potential symptom.  Research shows that more than three quarters of people nationally failed to mention either pain, coughing or problems with bowels or bladder.

The Get to know cancer campaign forms part of the NHS England (London) 5 year cancer strategy, which was launched on Tuesday (15 April 2014). The plan includes:

• lowering the age of referrals for bowel cancer
• speedier access to tests
• more community programmes, such as Get to know cancer, to help people spot the early signs of cancer

The plans for the first year of the strategy will mainly focus on early detection, in a bid to cut the substantial number of Londoners who are diagnosed late.  Currently, more than a quarter of cancers are diagnosed in A&E or as an emergency referral, and it is estimated that at least 1,000 lives could be saved if cancers were spotted earlier.

Welcoming the news of the extended partnership with Tottenham Hotspur FC Dr Andy Mitchell, Medical Director of NHS England (London), said:

“In the time it takes the average commuter to get home this evening, three Londoners will hear the news that they have cancer. That’s 82 people every day – enough to fill a double decker bus. It’s no surprise that cancer is at the top of the list of health concerns for London’s residents, and its NHS services.

“That is why I am delighted that Tottenham Hotspur is continuing to work in partnership with us on our ‘Get to know cancer’ campaign – designed to encourage people to do the single most important thing to beat cancer: get help sooner. The Club has been instrumental in supporting the campaign in the 2013/14 season, helping raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of the disease at home games, in pop-up clinics and online.

“We – and London’s patients – are grateful to Spurs for their vital support and we’re excited about next season’s campaign. We look forward to working together to send out a clear message that – with early detection – cancer is treatable, even beatable.”