Cancer Research UK
Who are Cancer Research UK?
For SMAC-23, CECA is once again partnering with Cancer Research UK to drive positive change in the construction and infrastructure sectors. Cancer Research UK is the world’s leading charity dedicated to saving lives through research. Their pioneering work into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer saves lives. Today, 2 in 4 people survive their cancer for at least 10 years. Cancer Research UK’s ambition is to accelerate progress so that by 2034, 3 in 4 people will survive their cancer for at least 10 years. Together with our partners and supporters, our vision is to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.
The heightened risks of cancer within the construction industry
Construction workers are an ‘at risk’ group for cancer. There are a variety of reasons why with some highlighted below:
The impact of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic caused major disruption at all stages of cancer care in the UK, including GP referrals and screening services.
Urgent cancer referrals, called “two-week wait” referrals, have been severely impacted, largely because of patients not contacting their GP with symptoms. As the UK went into lockdown, between April-July 2020, we estimate more than 300,000 fewer people than normal in the UK were sent on an urgent suspected cancer referral.
Screening programmes across the UK also largely paused during lockdown. Normally around 900,000 people per month across the UK take up a cancer screening test. For every month the programmes were paused the backlog has grown and cancers were not being diagnosed.
These disruptions will have a major effect on those at risk of cancer, including those within the construction industry.
We need to ensure that anyone with symptoms is seeking the medical help they need, to make sure no-one’s diagnosis is delayed. By working with companies within the industry we are hoping that we can reach those at risk and give employers information and signposting to support their workers.
For SMAC-23, CECA is once again partnering with Cancer Research UK to drive positive change in the construction and infrastructure sectors. Cancer Research UK is the world’s leading charity dedicated to saving lives through research. Their pioneering work into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer saves lives. Today, 2 in 4 people survive their cancer for at least 10 years. Cancer Research UK’s ambition is to accelerate progress so that by 2034, 3 in 4 people will survive their cancer for at least 10 years. Together with our partners and supporters, our vision is to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.
The heightened risks of cancer within the construction industry
Construction workers are an ‘at risk’ group for cancer. There are a variety of reasons why with some highlighted below:
- Construction workers are at a significantly higher risk of developing and dying from skin cancer, due to working outdoors.
- Construction workers are twice as likely to smoke every day compared to the average population. Around 2 in 3 long term smokers die from their habit.
- 24% of construction workers drink above government guidelines compared to 15.5% of the general population. Alcohol is linked to 7 types of cancer.
- Over 50% of workers in construction are from a lower socio-economic background (C2DE). Rates of cancer are 24% higher in men and 13% in women for C2DE groups. In England this difference leads to around 15,000 additional cases of cancer each year.
- The construction industry is predominantly male – men are more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage, when cancer is harder to treat
The impact of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic caused major disruption at all stages of cancer care in the UK, including GP referrals and screening services.
Urgent cancer referrals, called “two-week wait” referrals, have been severely impacted, largely because of patients not contacting their GP with symptoms. As the UK went into lockdown, between April-July 2020, we estimate more than 300,000 fewer people than normal in the UK were sent on an urgent suspected cancer referral.
Screening programmes across the UK also largely paused during lockdown. Normally around 900,000 people per month across the UK take up a cancer screening test. For every month the programmes were paused the backlog has grown and cancers were not being diagnosed.
These disruptions will have a major effect on those at risk of cancer, including those within the construction industry.
We need to ensure that anyone with symptoms is seeking the medical help they need, to make sure no-one’s diagnosis is delayed. By working with companies within the industry we are hoping that we can reach those at risk and give employers information and signposting to support their workers.
What can your company do about it?
Speak to a Cancer Nurse – Cancer Research UK’s helpline is staffed by experienced cancer nurses. They answer questions about all aspects of cancer and its treatment from anyone who has been affected by or is worried about cancer. The nurses are available Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm and all calls are completely confidential.
The freephone number is: 0808 800 4040 |
Find information you can trust – It can be difficult to find reliable information on the internet. Millions of people from across the world access Cancer Research UK’s website every month for up to date, evidence-based information about cancer. You can find information about different cancer types, up to date statistics and find support available nearby if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer.
Visit the website here. |
Cancer Chat – Cancer Chat is an online, fully moderated forum run by Cancer Research UK. It’s a safe place for anyone affected by cancer to connect with others who are in the same position, share experiences and get support. Users can chat about any topic - from symptoms to going through treatment, see what others are discussing or search topics of interest to them.
Visit Cancer Chat here. |
Educate Health & Safety Advocates
Talk Cancer: cancer awareness training programme is a course available to all aimed at building confidence in having effective conversations about cancer and health that could help save lives. The 3-hour online course will help:
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Explore a wider partnership with CRUK
Our workplace health team work closely with our in-house expert teams in health information and behaviour change, and can work in collaboration with corporate partners to design and deliver a bespoke workplace health programme tailored to employees’ needs. Already, we have seen the positive impact these programmes can have on workforces across the UK. You can learn more here and can speak to the team about a potential wider partnership outside of Stop. Make a Change.
Cancer Research UK are the leading charity funding research to help better understand cancer and finding more effective and kinder treatments. Their website provides information about cancer risks, myths and prevention. Their team would like to work more closely with organisations in the construction and infrastructure industries to raise awareness and to explore ways to engage with people in our sector. Please contact Maria Caporaso via this email to find out more.