Local football stars are encouraging everyone in Hertsmere to get checked for cancer before it is too late, as part of a pioneering awareness-raising project with the NHS.
Boreham Wood FC and Watford FC players have lent their voice to support the Hertsmere Against Cancer project, urging residents “don’t delay getting tested”.
As part of the project, which is being delivered by us and the NHS, anybody identified as eligible for cancer screening but who has not taken up their invitation, will be called by trained NHS staff and offered advice and support to book an appointment to get checked.
The project is the first collaboration between us and the NHS since the Herts and West Essex Integrated Care System came into force. It is being funded by Hertfordshire County Council and delivered in partnership with Locality Delivery Group, Herts 5 and Potters Bar Primary Care Networks, Herts Health and Local Patient Participation Groups.
This week (20-26 February) is “Cancer Prevention Action Week” which aims to raise awareness of cancer and cancer prevention, encouraging everyone to take action. This year the focus is on how people can cut back on processed meat, which is linked to bowel cancer.
You can find more about it by visiting https://www.wcrf-uk.org/preventing-cancer/cancer-prevention-awareness-week.
Screening involves testing apparently healthy people for signs of the disease, allowing cancer to be found at an early stage or even prevented.
Find out more about screening at Screening for cancer: Cancer Research UK.