Cancer champions to the local community center… and beyond!

In a blog for World Cancer Day, Pamela Smith discusses a community-based campaign to increase cancer awareness, which is being tested in the TIC-TOC study registered at the ISRCTN registry.

Encouraging people to seek help about potential cancer symptoms has never been more important. Research has found that early cancer help-seeking is poorest in the most deprived communities, partly due to not knowing which symptom(s) could indicate cancer, and fearful beliefs about cancer that put people off going to see their doctor.
The TIC-TOC study (Targeted Intensive Community-based campaign To Optimize Cancer awareness) has been funded by Cancer Research Wales with the aim of helping people living in deprived communities to recognize vague cancer symptoms (e.g. persistent tiredness, losing weight without trying to) and seek advice from their primary care doctor.