Posts by Penny Heaton
How we are delivering on National Cancer Plan ambitions across SWAG
We are pleased to see the publication of the National Cancer Plan by the Department of Health and Social Care on this World Cancer Day 2026. Here at SWAG Cancer…
Read MoreSWAG hits 50,000 milestone in Lung Cancer Screening scans
SWAG Cancer Alliance have reached a major milestone in its Lung Cancer Screening programme, delivering 50,000 lung cancer scans since the service began in 2022. To date, the programme has…
Read MoreInnovating Early Diagnosis: EndoSign® Capsule Sponge Testing for Barrett’s Oesophagus in Primary Care
Barrett’s oesophagus (BO) is the only known precursor to oesophageal adenocarcinoma – a cancer with one of the lowest survival rates when diagnosed late. Yet, over 90% of people with…
Read MoreSWAG Innovates Together – November 2025
Growing Our Community of Curious, Brave Innovators Helen Winter, SWAG Clinical Director On 13 November 2025 we launched something genuinely special: our very first SWAG Innovates Together Forum — a…
Read MoreMaking a Difference – Cancer and Domestic Abuse
Making a Difference is a short animation created in collaboration between SWAG Cancer Alliance and the University Hospitals Bristol & Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) Medical Illustration Team. It was…
Read MoreLeading the Way in Lung Cancer Innovation, Awareness and Support
North Bristol NHS Trust Assistant Chief Nursing Officer champions national efforts to transform lung cancer care As Lung Cancer Awareness Month shines a spotlight on the most commonly diagnosed cancer…
Read MoreSomerset NHS Foundation Trust: Nurse-Led Triage and One-Stop Pathways for Faster Urology Cancer Diagnosis
The Challenge Somerset NHS Foundation Trust (SFT) was facing delays in its urology cancer pathway, making it difficult to meet national Faster Diagnosis Standard (FDS) targets. Staff shortages, especially among…
Read MoreVicki’s Story: How my Lung Cancer Screening appointment gave me the courage to quit smoking
Vicki Lofts, 66, from Seend in Wiltshire quit smoking in May 2025 after smoking for 55 years. Her decision to stop smoking came after she had a lung cancer screening…
Read MoreCelebrating World Radiography Day: South West Late Effects Team
Radiotherapy is a key element of modern cancer treatment, enabling thousands of people to live longer after a cancer diagnosis. But with this progress comes a challenge: 1 in 4 people…
Read MoreLiver Cancer Awareness Month: Catching Liver Disease Early Saves Lives
Primary Liver cancer is one of the fastest-rising causes of cancer death in the UK. Yet, it often goes undetected until it’s too late. At Somerset Wiltshire Avon & Gloucestershire…
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