Western Trust promotes prevention as the key message for World Cancer Day in the North West

The Western Health and Social Care Trust (Western Trust) marked World Cancer Day on Wednesday, February 4 2026, an international initiative led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). 

This year, under the 2025–2027 theme "United by Unique," the Western Trust highlights its commitment to providing person-centred cancer care through its services in North West Cancer Centre (NWCC), acknowledging that every individual has a unique journey with cancer.

Sinead McElwee, Lead Nurse, Cancer and Clinical Services, said: “A cancer diagnosis is a life changing moment that impacts on many aspects of a person’s life. Our Clinical Nurse Specialists offer a Holistic Needs Assessment (HNA) to identify the unique physical, emotional and practical support needs of the individual.

"The HNA process ensures the person receives personalised care through appropriate information and onward referrals to manage the impact of their cancer.”

Seamus Ward, Head of Health Improvement, Equality and Involvement, said: “One of the aspects of World cancer Day is to highlight the importance of prevention and detection of cancer. While not all cancers are preventable, research shows that adopting a healthy lifestyle including physical activity, eating a balanced diet, supporting mental and emotional health, limiting alcohol, avoiding tobacco use and practising healthy habits to reduce risk including care in the sun all contribute to promoting overall health and wellbeing.

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"In addition, participating in regular screening can help to detect cancer at an early stage significantly improving health outcomes.”

Dr Conor O’Neill, Clinical Lead for Oncology in NWCC, Western Trust, said: “NWCC is recognised as a centre of clinical excellence providing high quality and compassionate care. In recent years there have been many innovations and progress in cancer care coming from NWCC including innovative research, clinical trials, and providing the most up to date treatment. On World Cancer Day, we recognise that every patient is at the centre of our work.

"Through our 'United by Unique' approach, we ensure the services provided within NWCC are tailored towards the unique individuals we support and care for.” 

Eithne Coyle, Service User, said: “Following my diagnosis I was very impressed the support I received from my Clinical Nurse Specialist Nurses. They treated me with kindness and supported my individual needs, they have been a constant support to me from the beginning. They were on my side and lightened my load.”