Fenland Community Cancer Champions
Why is this needed?
It is proven that the earlier cancer is diagnosed, the better the chances of survival. Encouraging people to go and seek help early from their doctor is how we can easily give them the best chance of receiving good treatment outcomes.
In Fenland, for example, there’s less awareness of cancer symptoms and so people are less likely to spot cancer symptoms and less likely to go for help. That’s a real problem, as early detection saves lives.
Cambridgeshire ACRE is leading the Fenland Community Cancer Champions project, funded by Macmillan, to work together with members of the community to increase cancer survival rates and improve the lives of people in our Fenland communities.
Funder
Funding for our Fenland Community Cancer Champions project is provided by the Macmillan Cancer Support.
What are we doing?
Through this project we are:
- Giving people who live in Fenland more information about cancer, as this will support their access to earlier diagnosis, treatment and personalised care;
- Making sure that people who live in Fenland are able to engage with the cancer care services that exist.
- Helping to ensure that cancer care services in Fenland are as inclusive as possible so that, no matter where people live, they have equitable access enabling earlier diagnosis and treatment.
How you can get involved
If you or someone you care about is affected by cancer. Our Macmillan Village Agents can provide support. They can:
- Help you improve your knowledge about cancer and treatment options
- Support you to access cancer services
- Provide emotional and practical support you need
- Enable you to come together with others in the same situation for friendship and support
- Train local volunteers as Community Cancer Champions who are able to speak knowledgeably about cancer in their own communities.
To contact a Macmillan Village Agent, please contact Caitlin Evans, Rural Health and Wellbeing Manager, by phone on 01353 865020 or by email at caitlin.evans@cambsacre.org.uk.
If you’d like to train as a Fenland Community Cancer Champion
Our Fenland Community Cancer Champions are local volunteers trained to support the project in their local community. If you’d be interested in finding out more about volunteering for this role, please contact Caitlin using the contact details above.
What impact has our work had?
As on March 2026, we have:
- Supported over 155 individual clients and their families through our 1-1 telephone and home visit support.
- Delivered 15 talk, care and share cancer support groups across Fenland, with over 34 people attend.
- Delivered 10 cancer awareness sessions / events and 63 outreach or drop in sessions / events.
Useful links
- Download a leaflet about our Macmillan Village Agents to share with colleagues, friends or family.
- Visit the Macmillan Cancer Support website for more information about cancer and the support they can give.
- Our Macmillan Village Agents can often be found at our Community Living Rooms in Fenland towns and villages. Your local Community Living Room is a safe place to meet other people for company and peer support. You can drop in and be guaranteed a warm welcome. To find your nearest Community Living Room please visit our Cambridgeshire Community Hubs Network page.
