Cancer Awareness Van is coming to North East London

Bringing cancer information and support into our communities

The North East London Cancer Alliance (NELCA) Cancer Awareness Van will be travelling across North East London for 26 weeks from November 2026, visiting community locations and local events.

The campaign is about making trustworthy cancer information easier to access and helping people feel more confident about taking action for their health.

Whether you have a question about cancer screening, want to understand possible signs and symptoms, are interested in reducing your risk, or simply want to know where to find reliable information, you can stop by and have a conversation with one of our ambassadors.

The campaign has been designed to take cancer awareness into local communities and support people who may be less likely to engage with traditional healthcare services.

What will you find on the van?

Our trained Cancer Awareness Ambassadors will be on board to welcome visitors and have friendly, informal and non-judgemental conversations.

Ambassadors can:

• Provide clear and trusted cancer information.
• Talk about possible signs and symptoms.
• Provide information about NHS cancer screening.
• Discuss ways people can reduce their risk of cancer.
• Answer general questions and help address common cancer myths and misconceptions.
• Provide information about HPV vaccination.
• Help people find appropriate NHS services, screening information and support.
• Provide or direct people towards accessible and appropriate resources.

The ambassadors' role is non-clinical. They won't diagnose cancer, interpret symptoms or test results, or provide individual medical advice. Instead, they can listen, provide trusted information and help you understand where to go next if you need further help.

Cancer information available

The campaign will focus on raising awareness of:

Breast cancer

Learn about possible signs and symptoms, breast awareness and NHS breast screening.

Bowel cancer

Find out about possible symptoms, bowel cancer screening and the importance of completing your FIT kit when invited.

Lung cancer

Learn about possible signs and symptoms and find out more about NHS lung cancer screening.

Prostate cancer

Understand potential signs and symptoms, risk factors and where to find trusted information and support.

HPV and cervical cancer

Find out about HPV vaccination, cervical screening and how they can help prevent cervical cancer.

The ambassador training developed for the campaign specifically covers prostate, lung, bowel, HPV and cervical cancer/screening, and breast cancer/screening.

No appointment needed, just come and have a chat

You don't need to have a particular concern or question to visit the van.

Our aim is to create a welcoming space where people can ask questions, pick up information and have conversations about cancer and screening without feeling judged or pressured.

Ambassadors are trained to listen first, explore concerns or barriers without making assumptions, provide clear information and then signpost people towards appropriate services and support.

Supporting all our communities

We know that accessing cancer information, screening and healthcare isn't always straightforward.

Language, accessibility, work and caring responsibilities, embarrassment, cultural beliefs, previous experiences of healthcare and concerns about cancer can all create barriers.

Our ambassadors are being trained to recognise these barriers and help people access appropriate information and support in a way that is respectful of their individual circumstances.

Look out for the van in your area

The Cancer Awareness Van will visit locations and community events across North East London, working alongside local authorities, community organisations, libraries, GP practices and other local partners.

Look out for the van and come and say hello.

Whether you have a question, want to pick up some information or simply want to learn more about looking after your health, our ambassadors will be happy to speak with you.

Please check here for the full list of locations and times.

Know the signs. Take up screening when invited. Speak to your GP if something doesn't feel right.