Southwark Council is intensifying its efforts to combat cancer through a series of new initiatives focused on prevention, early diagnosis, and tackling health inequalities. These initiatives are particularly important in Southwark, where over 70% of lung and larynx cancers are attributable to tobacco use.
The Health and Social Care Scrutiny Commission recently convened to discuss these strategies, receiving a presentation from Southwark Council's Public Health team and the South East London Cancer Alliance (SELCA). The discussion highlighted a multi-pronged approach, including targeted awareness campaigns, making the most of every contact with residents, and public health interventions aimed at addressing the root causes of cancer.
HPV Vaccination Campaign
One key area of focus is improving the uptake of the HPV vaccine, which protects against several types of cancer, including cervical cancer. As part of this effort, SELCA is conducting awareness campaigns across South East London, including at university freshers weeks and local festivals such as Mighty Hoopla, an LGBTQIA+ festival, targeting women up to the age of 25, men who have sex with men (MSM) up to the age of 25, and high-risk population groups. While specific barriers to HPV vaccine uptake within these groups were not detailed, the campaigns are tailored to reach these populations where they are.
Lung Cancer Screening
SELCA is also rolling out lung screening across South East London. The programme, which began in Southwark in October 2022, has since expanded to Greenwich, Lambeth, and Lewisham. It aims to detect lung cancers at an early stage, when they are more treatable. The eligibility criteria for lung cancer screening in South East London is that individuals must be ever smokers (current or former smokers aged 55-74 years old)
. The estimated eligible population in SEL is 140,000. Patients are invited every 2 years to the screening, and current smokers are also offered smoking cessation support. So far, the programme has diagnosed 107 lung cancers in South East London, with 75% of them at early stages.
Addressing Health Inequalities
Southwark Council is also focusing on tackling health inequalities through the Core20PLUS5 approach. This NHS England and NHS Improvement initiative aims to reduce disparities in healthcare access, experience, and outcomes. The approach targets the 20% most deprived of the national population, as well as specific population groups experiencing poorer health outcomes, including early cancer diagnosis.
Targeted Awareness
Southwark Public Health is implementing targeted awareness projects, such as working with the Southwark Travellers' Action Group to promote cancer screening and prevention within the travelling community. Additionally, translated workshops are being delivered in collaboration with Cancer Research UK to reach community groups with limited English proficiency.
Tobacco Control
Recognising that tobacco smoking is the largest preventable cause of cancer, Southwark is implementing its Tobacco Control Strategy 2024-2030. This includes commissioning stop smoking services and investing in wider tobacco control projects to reduce smoking-related diseases. Residents can access free, confidential support through the Southwark Stop Smoking Service, with options for in-person or telephone consultations.
These initiatives reflect Southwark's commitment to improving cancer outcomes and reducing health inequalities within the borough. Further information on cancer prevention and screening programmes can be found on the Southwark Council website.
