Thames Valley Cancer Alliance

03/09/2026

Barbershop Uncut Stories is coming to Reading

This October, join us for a free theatre performance opening up conversations about prostate cancer, risk and early diagnosis.

Black men have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer, with 1 in 4 Black men diagnosed during their lifetime.

Reading Rep Theatre
Friday 16 or Friday 23 October, 7pm
Free to attend

Come along, bring someone with you and be part of a conversation that could save lives.

Find out more and book here: https://thamesvalleycanceralliance.nhs.uk/our-work/patients-and-public/public-engagement/prostate-cancer/?utm_source=qr&utm_medium=materials&utm_campaign=prostate-awareness&utm_content=barbershop-social -social

01/09/2026

Our Bowel Cancer Awareness Van is coming to your community!

Bowel cancer is one of the UK's most common cancers, but when it's found early, treatment is more likely to be successful.

Come along to our mobile information van to:
• Learn the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer
• Find out about bowel cancer screening
• Pick up free information and resources
• Chat to our friendly team and ask questions

You don't need an appointment, just drop in.

Find out when the van will be near you: https://thamesvalleycanceralliance.nhs.uk/our-work/campaigns-and-events/?utm_source=qr&utm_medium=materials&utm_campaign=campaigns-events&utm_content=bowel-awareness-van -awareness-van

Please help us spread the word by sharing this post. You could encourage someone to get checked sooner.

28/08/2026

Prevention matters: Every step counts.
Being active isn't just good for your heart. It can also help reduce your risk of cancer.
Whether it's a walk, gardening, dancing or cycling, moving more is good for your body and mind.

Find ideas to help you get started: https://thamesvalleycanceralliance.nhs.uk/our-work/prevention-and-early-diagnosis/

26/08/2026

With the bank holiday approaching, make sure you order your repeat prescription in advance.
Find an open pharmacy near you: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy

24/08/2026

Spot it. Stop it. Complete your bowel screening kit.

If you've received an NHS bowel cancer screening kit through the post...

*Don't put it in a drawer.

* Don't leave it on the kitchen side.

Complete it and send it back.

The test only takes a few minutes and could help detect bowel cancer before symptoms appear. It can even help prevent bowel cancer by finding changes early.

Spot it. Stop it.

Find out more: https://thamesvalleycanceralliance.nhs.uk/our-work/symptomatic-fit-testing/

21/08/2026

Prevention matters: Did you know drinking less alcohol can reduce your risk of cancer?

Alcohol is linked to several types of cancer, including breast and bowel cancer.

Cutting down doesn't have to happen all at once. Even small changes can benefit your health.

Find NHS advice: https://thamesvalleycanceralliance.nhs.uk/our-work/prevention-and-early-diagnosis/

21/08/2026

Why is following the preparation instructions before a colonoscopy so important?

Good bowel preparation is essential for a successful colonoscopy. Following the preparation instructions carefully helps clinicians obtain the clearest view of the bowel, improving the quality of the examination and reducing the likelihood of repeat procedures.

This short video explains why preparation matters and how patients can help ensure their appointment goes as smoothly as possible: https://youtube.com/shorts/p34vQ-hTdj8?si=_melqAupvNO7M9_c
Please remind patients to always follow the instructions provided by their own hospital, as preparation guidance may vary between organisations.

Our full patient guide, complete video and additional FAQs are available here:
https://thamesvalleycanceralliance.nhs.uk/our-work/patients-and-public/public-engagement/bowel-cancer/

If you support patients preparing for a colonoscopy, please consider sharing these resources with them.

Following your bowel preparation instructions is one of the most im...

20/08/2026

Wondering what happens after drinking bowel preparation?
It's completely normal to have questions before a colonoscopy.
Our short video explains what you can expect after taking the bowel preparation, why these effects happen, and how to be ready for your appointment.
Please remember to always follow the instructions provided by your hospital, as preparation guidance may vary.
Watch the short video:
https://youtube.com/shorts/CN_RvCZQ3ks?si=SGCu7Dnoixkopnb2
You can also find our full colonoscopy guide, practical FAQs and more information about bowel cancer and bowel screening here:
https://thamesvalleycanceralliance.nhs.uk/our-work/patients-and-public/public-engagement/bowel-cancer/

Bowel preparation causes frequent trips to the toilet, so it's comp...

18/08/2026

Prevention matters: Small changes can make a big difference.

Keeping to a healthy weight can help reduce your risk of several types of cancer.

Eating a balanced diet and staying active are simple ways to look after your health.

Find practical tips from the NHS: https://thamesvalleycanceralliance.nhs.uk/our-work/prevention-and-early-diagnosis/

17/08/2026

The Thames Valley Cancer Alliance Bowel Cancer Awareness Van is hitting the road.

Our mobile awareness van will be visiting communities across the Thames Valley and Swindon to help raise awareness of bowel cancer, promote the benefits of early diagnosis and encourage people to seek advice if something doesn't feel right.

If you work in health or care, we'd be grateful if you could help spread the word to your patients, colleagues and local communities. A simple conversation could encourage someone to recognise the signs earlier and seek help.

Find out where the van will be visiting and access resources: https://thamesvalleycanceralliance.nhs.uk/our-work/campaigns-and-events/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=campaigns-events&utm_content=bowel-awareness-van -awareness-van

Together, we can help more people spot the signs, access support and improve early diagnosis.