Fishermen face unique risks in their work and lifestyle that can increase their likelihood of developing cancer.

Based at the quayside, our C Aware programme allows us to work alongside the fishing community to increase their awareness and knowledge of cancer. We discuss associated risks, symptoms, treatment, aftercare, and cancer care directly with the people who need to know.

Our vision is to normalise the conversation about cancer across fishing communities. We promote awareness, provide education, and signpost to relevant cancer health and community services.

Breaking down barriers

We’re dedicated to supporting active and former fishermen and their families. C Aware provides:

  • signposting to cancer services
  • cancer information resources
  • cancer awareness sessions
  • feedback streams on cancer experiences
  • a network of Cancer Community Champions

Normalising the Cancer Conversation

Nearly 1 in 2 of people born in 1962 in the UK will be diagnosed with some form of cancer.   Prostate cancer is projected to rise by 15% in the UK between 2023-25 and 2038-40   Cancer survival has doubled over the last 50 years in the UK

By breaking down the myths and stigmas surrounding cancer, we’re promoting a positive mindset within the fishing community. We’re encouraging fishermen and their families to speak openly and seek support when needed.

All statistics are from Cancer Research UK.

Working in collaboration to support prevention

We are collaborating with healthcare providers, the Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector, and fishing associations to deliver crucial cancer information to reduce cancer risks, increase cancer screenings, address late-stage cancer diagnoses, and lower overall cancer incidence within the fishing community. By working closely with health partners, we are enhancing access to cancer care and fostering strong relationships to achieve this goal.

We are working with health partners to improve access to cancer care. To achieve this, we are building strong relationships with:

  • GP practices
  • Health Trusts
  • Cancer nurse specialists
  • Patient advocacy groups
  • Fishing associations
  • Fishing communities and neighbourhoods
  • Other healthcare professionals and fishing industry stakeholders

Working together, we can improve cancer care pathways, making them more accessible for our fishing community.

Reeling in Cancer Awareness

Our podcast for the C Aware programme explores what we’re doing with our cancer support in fishing communities, especially in North Shields, where we started. Listen here – or get it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Thanks to the Fishermen’s Mission choir for providing us with the sea shanty we use in our episodes.

VIEW PODCAST TRANSCRIPTS

Help others be C Aware

Help us make a real difference by sharing key cancer messages across the fishing community – we can’t do it alone.

Interested in joining this exciting programme? Become a C Aware Cancer Champion! You can pledge an activity or offer any free time you can give. Together, we can make a difference.

Learn more by clicking the headings below to expand them – then fill out the form below to express your interest. 

 

 

As a Cancer Community Champion Volunteer, we will ask you to give a “pledge”.

Your pledge can include:

  • sharing your cancer knowledge with your family, friends, and colleagues
  • promoting and encouraging family, friends, and colleagues to access early cancer screening
  • distributing cancer information (such as leaflets or posters) to your home and work communities  
  • signposting the family, friends, and colleagues to cancer health services
  • providing the people you know with Macmillan Cancer Support information
  • being part of developing the C Aware programme

Pledges can be completed in your own time and at your own pace. These pledges can be for your time at the quayside or whilst out at sea, at social events with friends, or home with family members. You do not need any experience.

After you contact us, we’ll invite you to attend one of our free Cancer Champion Awareness Sessions.

 As a Cancer Community C Aware Volunteer, we will ask you to give us any free time you can provide. This could be a few hours per week, fortnight or month. In this role, you will work alongside our team to:

  • plan and deliver C Aware events and campaigns
  • promote the C Aware Programme
  • co-deliver the C Aware group (optional)
  • co-deliver C Aware presentations (optional)
  • signpost people to relevant cancer services
  • share cancer information with the fishing community
  • provide cancer information resources to the fishing community
  • attend local volunteering events

We need good communicators in this role who are motivated to dedicate a regular time commitment to C Aware.

After you contact us, we will send you more information about what we need.

Get in touch with the C Aware Team

If you would like to become a volunteer or would just like more information from us, please fill out this form and press the ‘submit’ button to get in touch with us.

    Meet the C Aware Team

    Deb Johnstone

    Cancer Community Programme Manager

    Elle Charlton

    Cancer Community Engagement Officer

    Danielle Murray

    Cancer Community Champion Volunteer Lead

    Where to find us

    You can find the C Aware Office at 42-47 Fish Quay in North Shields, NE30 1JA

    C Aware is a partnership, proudly delivered by The Fishermen’s Mission and Macmillan Cancer Support

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