The Cancer Programme aims to support earlier cancer diagnosis, increase screening uptake, improve referral quality, and promote cancer prevention across the Primary Care Network (PCN). Through a combination of leadership, awareness campaigns, targeted interventions, and workforce development, the programme seeks to improve outcomes for local communities and reduce health inequalities.

Each PCN will identify both a Clinical Champion and a Non-Clinical Champion to drive cancer improvement activities locally.

The Clinical Champion will represent the PCN at quarterly Community of Practice (CoP) meetings and relevant cancer-focused webinars, helping to share learning, best practice, and new developments with colleagues across the network. The Non-Clinical Champion will coordinate cancer-related communications, support awareness campaigns, and oversee the delivery of programme activities across the PCN.

The programme supports the delivery of cancer awareness initiatives that encourage earlier presentation, improve understanding of cancer symptoms, and increase participation in screening programmes.

Practices will promote bowel cancer awareness and support national cancer campaigns throughout the year. Activities should be tailored to meet the needs of local populations, with particular focus on groups that experience lower engagement, reduced screening uptake, or poorer health outcomes.

Regular physical activity plays an important role in cancer prevention and supports overall health and wellbeing. The programme encourages practices to embed physical activity promotion into routine care and staff development.

Clinical staff will be encouraged to complete a short training video to improve their confidence in discussing physical activity with patients. The programme aims for at least 50% staff participation and requires each PCN to develop a case study demonstrating how physical activity has been promoted locally and the impact of those actions.