Published: 15/07/24

Our colleagues at Scottish Government have provided some further information regarding the: ‘Be the Early Bird’ – Detect Cancer Earlier Campaign.

Campaign runs until 4th September 2024.

As a reminder the 'Be the Early Bird' campaign was developed in response to insight which shows that fear of a cancer diagnosis can delay people contacting their GP practice with possible symptoms. ‘Be the Early Bird’ reinforces the benefits of finding cancer earlier in a bid to challenge the fear that is stopping people acting – and encourage those who have unusual, persistent symptoms to contact their GP practice.

The Detect Cancer Earlier Campaign looks to target people across Scotland aged 40+, with a focus on those from more deprived communities.

If you have already downloaded the Be the Early Bird assets then please get sharing and use the hashtag #BeTheEarlyBird

Key Messages

• Anyone, particularly those aged 40+, with persistent symptoms unusual for them are being urged to ‘be the early bird’ and contact their GP practice.

• If you’re worried about a possible cancer symptom, your GP practice wants to know.

• Possible cancer symptoms could include unexplained bleeding, unusual lumps, unexplained weight loss or something that doesn’t feel normal for you.

• Finding cancer earlier can mean there’s more treatment options available, a greater chance of living well after treatment and better news to tell the family.

• For more information visit getcheckedearly.org

Campaign Resource Updates & Case Studies

You can now download public information screens static assets for public areas and waiting rooms.

We would also like to draw your attention to the great collection of Real stories | Get Checked Early. You are welcome to share these powerful stories across your social media channels.  Here are a selection but there are many more to choose from across Scotland:

• Liz Clark | Get Checked Early (treated for early stage lung cancer)

• Laura Russell | Get Checked Early (treated for early stage skin cancer)

• Ian Cassels | Get Checked Early (treated for early stage prostate cancer)

• Christine Mitchell | Get Checked Early (treated for early stage ovarian cancer)

• Paul McCaffery | Get Checked Early (treated for early stage testicular cancer)

• Graeme Clark | Get Checked Early (treated for early stage blood cancer)

• Norma MacLeod | Get Checked Early (treated for early stage breast cancer)

• Glen Long | Get Checked Early (treated for early stage bladder cancer)

• Anita Lindsay | Get Checked Early (treated for early stage cervical cancer)

• Ron Kerr | Get Checked Early (treated for early stage bowel cancer)

All Available Campaign Assets

'Be the Early Bird' campaign resources include the following:

• Stakeholder toolkit with social copy and editorial ideas

• Digital film ads (40 and 20 seconds)

• Social static ads and videos

• Posters

• Leaflet with translations and alternative formats

• BSL ad (40 seconds)

• Social film with a message from a GP

• Public information screen assets

We would welcome your support in helping to embed the ‘Be the Early Bird’ concept with the public to make the term synonymous with finding cancer earlier and reduce later stage disease in Scotland. Please share it far and wide.

More details can be found in this Scottish Government / NHS Scotland Letter – ‘Be the early bird’ 2024/25

If any pharmacy requires a replacement poster holder, please contact APS Group at: stockorders.DPPAS@theapsgroup.com and a replacement will be sent out.