People in Norfolk and Waveney living with cancer have collaborated with the NHS to develop a new resource to support others diagnosed with cancer in the future.

The Norfolk and Waveney Cancer Information Toolkit has been launched today (6 March) by NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board (ICB) and brings together information for people at different stages of their cancer journey, whether they suspect they might have cancer, diagnosis, treatment and support.  

A key contributor, Gemma Easterbrook helped to curate the content and brought in her own experiences to shape the toolkit. Gemma was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2018 and sadly passed away in November 2023. Her husband Craig said today: “Much of the journey can be overwhelming and there is often a lot of information to process. This toolkit is not only useful for people living with cancer but also for loved ones who can refer to it at different milestones and come back to it whenever they need it.

He added: “Gemma always wanted good things to come from her personal cancer journey. Her work on this project was another way of dedicating herself to this goal.”

Cancer will affect 1 in 2 people in their lifetime so many people may need to access the toolkit at some point, including families, carers and champions.

Dr Suzanne Phillips, Clinical Lead for Cancer for NHS Norfolk and Waveney ICB, welcomed the resource, saying: “As clinicians, we’re keen to signpost people to the support services on offer to them, whether these are provided by the NHS, charities or other organisations. By bringing all the local information together in one place I really feel this will help people to better access what they need.

This news comes as the King was recently diagnosed with cancer and as a result the NHS saw 51% rise in people searching for information about cancer in the 24 hours after the announcement.

Maggie Tween, Head of Cancer for NHS Norfolk and Waveney ICB, said: “We’re empowering people with the information to make decisions about their care and support which are right for them. Everyone’s journey is different, but we want people to know that they are not alone. A huge thanks goes to everyone who has collaborated on this project and used their own experiences to help others.”

The toolkit is in addition to all the cancer services provided by the NHS in Norfolk and Waveney. Macmillan Cancer Care Navigators who are based at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, James Paget Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Hospital, are on hand to discuss support with people in person.

The toolkit can be downloaded here – improvinglivesnw.org.uk/cancertoolkit If anyone would like the toolkit in alternative languages or formats, please email: nwicb.cancerprogramme@nhs.net

If you suspect you may have symptoms of cancer or would like to discuss any concerns, please contact your GP practice team. For more information, visit: https://improvinglivesnw.org.uk/our-work/healthier-communities/cancer/

With thanks to Michelle Gant from The Engaging People Company, Gemma Easterbrook and patients who have assisted with this project.