Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust has announced its upcoming breast, bowel, and AAA (abdominal aortic aneurysm) screening roadshows to enhance community health awareness and facilitate early detection of potential health issues. Emma Golightly, Gateshead Health’s Health Improvement Practitioner, takes centre stage in a recent informative video to shed light on the significance of these screenings and their pivotal role in preventive healthcare.
Emma’s insights provide a valuable glimpse into the screening roadshows, emphasising their importance in proactively addressing health concerns. Breast, bowel, and AAA screenings are vital components of preventive healthcare, allowing individuals to detect and manage potential health problems early when intervention is most effective.
The screening team at Gateshead Health is collaborating with various related partners to bring awareness to their shared cause. The partners that have been confirmed for this year’s roadshows so far include The Gateshead Breast Screening Service, The South of Tyne Bowel Screening Centre, The North East and North Cumbria Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Service, The Targeted Lung Health Check programme, South Tyneside Health and Wellbeing Service, and Cancer Research UK.
Emma Golightly, Health Improvement Practitioner, had this to say:
We are delivering this series of roadshow show events across our region to take our work out into local public spaces where we can engage with hard-to-reach communities, talk to people about the benefits of screening, discuss any barriers, alleviate any fears, dispel myths and ultimately encourage more people to take part.
Emma Golightly – Health Improvement Practitioner at Gateshead Health
Breast cancer remains the most prevalent form of cancer among women worldwide. However, early detection through regular screening significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and recovery. Gateshead Health’s screening roadshows encourage women to prioritise their breast health by undergoing regular screenings, empowering them with knowledge and resources to take proactive steps towards wellness.
Similarly, bowel cancer screening plays a crucial role in identifying abnormalities in the digestive system that may indicate the presence of cancerous or precancerous conditions. By participating in bowel screening roadshows, individuals can see how the screening process works, and the engagement is a strong reminder to take advantage of early detection and timely intervention.
Additionally, the screening roadshows address the often-overlooked issue of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), a potentially life-threatening condition that can go undetected until it reaches a critical stage. Through informative sessions and screening opportunities, Gateshead Health aims to raise awareness about AAA and empower individuals to take proactive measures to safeguard their vascular health.
Emma Golightly’s advocacy for screening roadshows underscores Gateshead Health’s commitment to promoting community well-being through preventive healthcare initiatives. By offering convenient access to screenings and fostering a culture of health awareness, Gateshead Health endeavours to empower individuals to prioritise their health and take proactive steps towards a healthier future.
As the screening roadshows roll out throughout the year, Gateshead Health invites community members to participate actively and take charge of their health journey. Here is a list of upcoming screening roadshow dates confirmed for 2024, with more events to follow throughout the year.
- 7 February, Asda Boldon
- 28 February, Asda Washington
- 1 March, Asda South Shields
- 22 March, Haven Point, South Shields
- 4 April, Melissa Bus, Trinity Square, Gateshead
- 12 April, Melissa Bus, Sunderland Park Lane
- 17 April, Melissa Bus, King Street, South Shields
Through early detection and intervention, individuals can maximise their chances of leading healthy, fulfilling lives, highlighting the transformative potential of preventive healthcare initiatives like breast, bowel, and AAA screening roadshows.