NHS Cancer Screening Programmes

We provide integrated corporate communications support to the NHS Cancer Screening Programmes (NHSCSP), dealing with issues relating to breast, cervical and bowel cancer screening, and the prostate cancer risk management programme.

We run the 24/7 press office handling calls daily from national, regional, and specialist media, plus running proactive campaigns including the 20th anniversary of breast and cervical screening in 2008. hanover produces all NHSCSP publications (newsletters, annual reviews for the breast and cervical programmes, posters for GP surgeries and other local marketing materials) as well as advising the NHSCSP on managing relationships with key stakeholders.

Issues and reputation management is also an important part of our work, and Jade Goody's diagnosis and death from cervical cancer led to massive coverage and intense scrutiny of cervical screening.

Cancer charities and The Sun began campaigns to lower the age of first cervical screening from 25 to 20. We handled all calls on this sensitive and technical issue, worked closely with the DH to run two national press conferences, and communicated the findings of a DH-commissioned review of the lower screening age issue. We delivered significant share of voice for the NHSCSP's position, and worked with independent clinicians and patient groups to demonstrate third-party support. The Sun dropped its campaign but, thanks to the awareness created by Jade, the numbers of women coming forward for screening in 2009 rose significantly.