Teams from across NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group have recently taken part in a project designed to support people with learning disabilities to know more about the importance of cancer screening.
Made in collaboration with People First Merseyside, a self-advocacy organisation run by, and for, people with learning disabilities, the series of videos entitled ‘Check It Out, walk the viewer through the importance of cancer screening, including bowel, breast, cervical and lung, as well as the process of attending screening appointments and what this involves.
The videos, premiered at a special screening event at Crosby’s Plaza Cinema, feature members of People First Merseyside, alongside real clinicians from the respective screening services in the local area.
Gareth Lloyd-Johnson, Social Action Lead from Sefton Council for Voluntary Service said:
“Our People First members were keen to be involved in these Cancer Screening films because explaining how the cancer screening programmes work and what to expect may help more people feel comfortable going for their cancer screening appointment. The screening is so valuable and could help save more lives!”
Paula McCann Finney, Nursing Team Leader from the Lung Cancer Screening service at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, who starred in the lung cancer film, said:
“It was a privilege to be asked to be part of these films which aim to support people with learning disabilities to make informed choices about cancer screening.
“Having seen the videos, they would be helpful for anyone who wants to know more about why cancer screening is important and what is involved. The message is clear, go for your cancer screening and ‘check it out’.”
Lisa Campbell, Mammographer at the Breast Unit at Broadgreen Hospital, also appeared in the breast screening video, and shared:
“I was delighted to be able to help with this project which provides a valuable opportunity to share a useful set of resources for patients and their families. The videos provide reassurance and answer questions patients may have before they visit us for their routine mammogram.”
You can watch films for bowel, breast, cervical and lung screening below.