Event Ideas

There are many different types of events you can run to raise awareness of cancer. Below are a few ideas to get you started:

Information/education event

Getting information about cancer out to people is one of the best ways to raise awareness of cancer. An information based event is a very effective and simple way to do this. If you want to run an information or education event you will need to think about what information you want to get across to people and if relevant arrange for some speakers to talk in more detail about the risk of cancer. You can also set up a stand with information about the signs and symptoms of cancer and national screening programmes.

EMCAW can provide you with a range of leaflets and information materials from our partner organisations. You can get general information on cancer or information on specific cancers, such as Breast, Prostate or Bowel cancer. Have a look at the example leaflets and fill out the order form.

Screening event

Currently the UK runs screening programmes for breast, cervical and bowel cancer. Screening detects the early signs of cancer, and for cervical cancer can prevent cancer. Detecting cancer as early as possible means that treatment can be more effective and could increase your chances of survival.

You may be able to arrange for a mobile screening unit to attend your event, some national charities and local PCT’s have mobile screening units. Or you could contact your local screening unit and arrange an open evening to show local people round the unit. For more information about screening look at: http://www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk/

Entertainment/fun event

You can combine the cancer awareness message with a more light-hearted event. An entertainment or fun event may appeal to more people and give you a wider audience for your message.

You could run a quiz or a coffee morning, or if you are feeling ambitious you could organise a family fun day. If you are running an entertainment event try to make sure the awareness message doesn’t get lost by having an information stand, or putting information leaflets on tables. See above for how to get information leaflets.

Piggy-back an existing event

If you don’t think you will have time to organise an event consider piggy-backing on a pre-existing local event. If there are other events in the area that will appeal to your target audience why not ask the organisers if you can put an information stand up at their event? This way you will reach your audience without having to organise the whole event yourself, and you may find you can reach people who would be unlikely to attend a specific cancer awareness event.