Cancer Prevention and Control Cancer is a significant public health burden in the UK and globally, and addressing it requires a comprehensive approach that addresses health inequalities. This intervention, which is based on the Health Belief Model, proposes a set of activities that aim to promote cancer prevention and control, increase awareness, and ensure access to care. Through evaluation, we can assess the effectiveness of this intervention and make necessary adjustments to achieve its goals. Subtitle: An intervention to reduce the burden of cancer and address health inequalities [Background] Cancer poses a serious threat to public health in the UK, as it causes a large number of new cases and deaths every year. In 2019, about 367,000 people in the UK were diagnosed with cancer, with the most common types being breast, lung, prostate, and bowel cancer. Cancer is also the main cause of death in the UK, accounting for around 28% of all deaths. [Public Health Burden] References: Cancer has a significant impact on public health, resulting in substantial morbidity, mortality, and economic costs. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, accounting for an estimated 9.6 million deaths in 2018. In the UK, cancer also has a disproportionate impact on certain population groups, including those from deprived communities and ethnic minority backgrounds. Cancer Research UK. (2021). Cancer incidence for common cancers. Retrieved from https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/healthprofessional/cancer-statistics/incidence/common-cancerscompared [Health Promotion/Improvement Theory] To address the burden of cancer and health inequalities, this intervention will use the Health Belief Model (HBM), which is a psychological model that explains why people engage in health-related behaviors. The HBM proposes that people are more likely to adopt healthy behaviors if they believe they are susceptible to a health problem, the health problem is severe, the behavior change will be beneficial, and they have the ability to perform the behavior. [Recommended Activities] To promote cancer prevention and control, the following activities are recommended: 1) Education and awareness-raising: Provide information on the causes, risk factors, and prevention of cancer through social media campaigns, community outreach, and educational materials. 2) Screening and early detection: Encourage people to participate in cancer screening programs and promote early detection through regular check-ups and symptom recognition. 3) Lifestyle interventions: Promote healthy lifestyle behaviours such as regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption. 4) Access to care: Ensure that people have access to cancer treatment and care regardless of their socioeconomic status or ethnic background. Conclusion] Evaluation] To evaluate the effectiveness of this intervention, the following measures will be used: 1) Cancer incidence and mortality rates: Monitor changes in cancer incidence and mortality rates to assess the impact of the intervention. 2) Reach and engagement: Track the number of people reached and engaged through the intervention's activities to measure its effectiveness in reaching the target population. 3) Changes in behavior: Assess changes in health behaviors related to cancer prevention and control through surveys and questionnaires. Cancer Research UK. (2021). Cancer mortality for common cancers. Retrieved from https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/healthprofessional/cancer-statistics/mortality/common-cancerscompared Data were provided by the National Cancer Registration and Analysis Service (part of Public Health England), on request through the Office for Data Release, July 2021. Similar data can be found here: https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity /healthandsocialcare/conditionsanddiseases/bulletins/cancerre gistrationstatisticsengland/previousReleases(link is external) Data were provided by ISD Scotland on request, April 2020. Similar data can be found here: http://www.isdscotland.org/HealthTopics/Cancer/Publications(link is external). Data were published by the Welsh Cancer Intelligence and Surveillance Unit, Health Intelligence Division, Public Health Wales https://phw.nhs.wales/services-and-teams/welsh-cancerintelligence-and-surveillance-unit-wcisu/cancer-incidence-inwales-2002-2018/(link is external), March 2021. Data were provided by the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry on request, May 2020. Similar data can be found here: http://www.qub.ac.uk/research-centres/nicr/(link is external).
