UCL supports Cancer Prevention Week (11-15 May)

Raising public awareness Laura Marlow, research psychologist at the Health Behaviour Research Centre (UCL Epidemiology & Public Health) 'Many cancers are now believed to be preventable through lifestyle changes and Cancer Prevention Week is a good opportunity for us to raise awareness of how individuals can take responsibility for reducing their risk of cancer. This can involve changing behaviours related to diet, exercise and smoking, and there are also national screening programmes in the UK for breast, bowel and cervical cancer. 'Cervical cancer has recently received a lot of press coverage following the diagnosis, treatment and death of Jade Goody, and public health professionals have reported that the story has led to a huge increase in demand for smear tests. 'Researchers at the Health Behaviour Research Centre have been working with the Daily Mirror to develop a survey exploring attitudes towards the Jade Goody story, awareness of cervical cancer and attitudes towards screening. The aim of the survey is to gain some insight into cervical cancer awareness and attitudes in a group of people who were particularly interested in Jade's story, and to try to understand why her story has had such an impact on screening behaviour. The study findings will be published in the Daily Mirror at the end of May 2009. 'This work fits into the profile of the centre's work in cancer communication and screening, focusing on enhancement of the public's understanding of cancer and promoting public engagement with cancer screening, and other forms of prevention and early detection.