Cancer awareness training programme

Talking about cancer can save lives. Cancer Research UK’s cancer awareness training programme, Talk Cancer, will equip you with the skills and confidence to have conversations about cancer and health with people in your community.

The Talk Cancer training will help you to:

  • understand the key messages around cancer awareness
  • talk to people about how they could reduce their risk of getting cancer
  • help people understand the importance of spotting cancer early and the screening programmes available
  • appreciate and address the fears and barriers faced by people when talking about cancer
  • have effective, supportive conversations about cancer and health
  • understand the impact health inequalities can have on cancer outcomes
  • encourage people to take positive action for their health, use local services and see their doctor with any concerns

If you’re able to promote health and wellbeing in your community - whether you’re a healthcare professional, work or volunteer in your community or are in any role where you can discuss health with others - you have the power to make a difference.

Listening to your group’s needs, we’ll find the best training format to suit you. There are various training formats available, including online and face-to-face cancer awareness workshops.

What is cancer awareness and why is it important?

Cancer awareness is when people understand what cancer is, the causes of cancer, knowing the national cancer screening programmes available and what to do when concerned about a possible symptom. Further understanding of cancer awareness could include what happens after a cancer diagnosis and cancer treatment.

Being cancer aware is important as there is a lot of misinformation about cancer. By accessing evidence-based information you can correctly help people on how to take positive action to reduce cancer risk. Around 4 in 10 cases of cancer in the UK could be prevented and it is estimated that across the UK, there are more than 30,000 extra cases of cancer attributable to socio-economic deprivation. Increasing cancer awareness in more deprived areas could help to reduce health inequalities and improve cancer outcomes. Having cancer awareness will give you the confidence to speak to a doctor if something doesn’t feel normal to you, as spotting cancer early increases the chance of survival.