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Status
Received: on time
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Income
£4.3M
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Spending
£4.6M
Public benefits
The benefit from the purpose is the provision of breast screening leading to the earlier detection of breast cancer in women aged between 40 and 49 and over 70. Scientific research proves that the earlier most cancers are detected the better the outcomes; treatments and interventions tend to be less invasive and radical and the 5 year survivorship
rate higher. The above benefits are captured through an ongoing process whereby the results of women referred to the NHS Breast Screening Assessment Clinics by Action Cancer are recorded, documented, analysed and reported upon. The harm associated with breast screening programmes have been thoroughly researched and documented and whilst a number of issues around some physical discomfort, additional anxiety for women referred for further assessment and radiation dosages have been identified, studies conclude that the benefits of breast screening far outweigh any harm caused by the screening process. Clients have an improved capacity to deal with the impact of cancer and related treatment. Through direct one to one interventions and or the learning of strategies and coping mechanisms, research shows that Therapeutic Supports have the capacity to improve quality of life, through aiding improved sleep patterns, reducing stress and anxiety and, depending on the intervention reducing pain, sickness and nausea. Overall client feedback from the Therapeutic Supports provided by Action Cancer indicates they feel supported, less isolated and the quality of their lives measurably improved. A reduction in the risk of contracting cancer and an improvement in the knowledge and general health and wellbeing of the children and adults who engage in the various programmes and services. Pre, post and follow-up internal and external evaluation processes including quantitative and qualitative feedback from participants, is used to measure the impact of the programmes and services. This information is then used to revise the existing programmes and services and or, to develop new. The evaluation of programmes and services indicates a marked improvement in the understanding of children around the causes of cancer and the steps that can be taken to reduce cancer incidences. For adults undertaking a diagnostic health check many are referred to their General Practitioner for further examination. Increased awareness amongst the public of Northern Ireland and influential stakeholders/opinion formers on the issues relating and pertaining to health and specifically cancer. Engagement with opinion formers in the consultation and development of cancer/ health related policies, services and health awareness campaigns. Through media reporting, external evaluation is undertaken of marketing and PR campaigns held. Benefits include an increased pick up in the Action Cancer Breast screening programme and in the use of NHS screening programmes for Breast, Bowel and Cervical cancers, as well as a greater awareness on male prostate and testicular cancers. This results in an increase in early cancer detection and for the individuals concerned less invasive interventions and an increase in 5 year survivorship rates. Through engagement with stakeholders Action Cancer leads on the lobbying for better health outcomes e.g. the introduction of a Bowel cancer screening programme in Northern Ireland, the introduction of a smoking ban in cars carrying children and the introduction of a Cancer Drugs Fund for Northern Ireland. The only private benefit flowing from the purpose is the payment of staff and unconnected third parties, this is incidental and necessary to deliver the public benefit.The general public of Northern Ireland, including children aged 5 and upwards, young people, men and women who have been impacted by cancer. The service is accessible from Action Cancer House, Belfast and at various community based locations across Northern Ireland.
... [more] [less]What your organisation does
We protect health and well being through the provision of services, equipment and facilities for the treatment and screening against cancer and allied diseases particularly, but not exclusively in Northern Ireland, e.g. we provide mammograms for women We provide help, support and assistance through the provision of counselling, coaching,
mentoring, Listening Ear services, complementary therapies, peer support and similar interventions to people directly or indirectly affected by cancer (e.g. family members/carers etc). We develop an awareness of cancer, its allied diseases and related illnesses through the provision of education, diagnostic services, equipment and facilities, the promotion and support of research and the dissemination of information e.g. provision of health checks, education in schools, workplaces and communities, provision of information on cancer to the public and those affected by cancer. We aim to effect positive change to the lives of the population of Northern Ireland through promoting, campaigning, lobbying and the general influencing of opinion formers, stakeholders and the general public on issues relating and pertaining to health and specifically cancer, its allied diseases and related illnesses.
... [more] [less]The charity’s classifications
- The advancement of education
- The advancement of health or the saving of lives
Who the charity helps
- Carers
- Children (5-13 year olds)
- General public
- Men
- Older people
- Parents
- Women
- Youth (14-25 year olds)
How the charity works
- Advice/advocacy/information
- Counselling/support
- Education/training
- Medical/health/sickness
- Volunteer development
