Cancer

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One in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with some form of cancer in their lifetime.

Your risk of developing cancer can depend on your age, genetics and your lifestyle, but Cancer Research UK tells us that two in every five cases are preventable.

The key is to spot the cancer early by recognising the signs and acting quickly – especially if your GP asks you to go along for screening.

Watch our BLMK Cancer Patient Forum video:

Advice and Support

Download our BLMK Cancer Patient Forum leaflet.

Protect Your Voice! Important things for NHS patient advocates to know

You can find more information, advice and support on the Cancer Research UK, Macmillan Cancer Support and Cancer Care Map websites.

Two week referral information

A document detailing two week wait referral information is available below for each of our areas:

Walk-through video collections

A collection of videos has been created to support patients, families, and carers by offering a clear and reassuring look at what to expect during cancer care in our three local hospitals.

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Latest news and highlights

News

31 October 2025

Local general practices offer more appointments than the same period last year

The number of appointments available at general practices in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes has shown a further increase. Figures published by NHS England reveal…

Case Study

27 October 2025

Innovative facial analysis app recognises pain in care home residents

Danecroft is a 34-bed care home in Bedford, predominantly caring for people living with dementia but also other conditions such as Parkinson’s and MS. Since…

News

24 October 2025

Half term clinics to offer catch-up vaccinations for children

Parents of children who are behind on any of their immunisations have been reminded that there will be an opportunity to catch up on any missed vaccinations during the half…

News

17 October 2025

Local care providers use digital toolkit to monitor vital signs and prevent…

A remote monitoring toolkit has demonstrated potential for empowering care staff to make data-led healthcare decisions about the people they care for. The Whzan blue box measures vital signs such…

News

15 October 2025

One in five eligible people has already had their flu jab

One in five people eligible for the flu immunisation in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes has already had their vaccination, new figures show. It’s always a good idea to get…

Case Study

9 October 2025

Robotic pets comfort Bedford care home residents with dementia

Bedford-based care home residents are reaping the benefits of robotic therapy pets. Hepworth House Residential Care Home has 15 residents and since April 2025, two residents with dementia have been…