Cancer Alliance in the running for top industry award

A Lancashire and South Cumbria Cancer Alliance project aimed at increasing early diagnosis has been shortlisted for a major industry award.

The work alongside delivery partner Spring North and local VCFSE organisations to deliver a small grants programme to tackle late-stage cancer diagnosis has been nominated in the ‘Excellence in Narrowing the Health Inequalities Gap’ category at this year’s Health Service Journal (HSJ Awards).

Using population health insights to identify 29 priority wards, the Cancer Alliance - the cancer team hosted within NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board - initially funded 18 VCFSE-led projects which delivered 691 tailored activities, supported over 15,000 people and reached over 326,000 through awareness work and campaigns.

This community‑led, data‑driven model is now entering its third year of delivery, and it has since informed a Volunteer Cancer Awareness Champions network and the system-wide Talk, Check, Act campaign, creating a scalable, sustainable approach to narrowing inequalities in early cancer diagnosis.

Dr Neil Smith, Lancashire and South Cumbria Cancer Alliance director of primary care, said: "We're delighted that this work has been recognised nationally through the HSJ Awards.

"Our Small Grants Scheme was developed to tackle inequalities in cancer awareness and early diagnosis by working with trusted organisations already embedded within local communities. The results demonstrate what is possible when NHS insight and investment are combined with the trusted relationships and expertise of local community organisations."

"Most importantly, this programme has helped thousands of people across Lancashire and South Cumbria access information, support and conversations that can contribute to earlier cancer diagnosis and better outcomes, ultimately saving lives."

The shortlisting is recognition of outstanding performance, which has seen the Cancer Alliance achieve the largest increase in early diagnosis rates in England over a 12-month period.

Blackpool Teaching Hospital have also received a nomination in the ‘Acute Sector Innovation of the Year’ category, having implemented a new acute care model at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

The HSJ Awards celebrate the teams and individuals making a difference across the UK healthcare sector.

Winners will be announced at a ceremony in London on 19 November.

For more information about the HSJ Awards, visit: Home | HSJ Awards