Detect Cancer Earlier Campaign - Updated Campaign Resources

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.

Following evaluation of the first phase of the campaign in March 2023, the call to action for this latest campaign has been updated to reinforce that GP practices want to know if patients have concerns about possible symptoms.

The key messages for the campaign are:

• 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

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

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.

How You Can Help

Access and use supporting campaign materials via the SG Campaign Resource Centre here.

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

Alternatively feel free to share content from the wee c’s social channels using the #BeTheEarlyBird hashtag: Facebook and Twitter. Inspiring case studies will also be available at getcheckedearly.org.  Finally, please get in touch with any stories that may help highlight the benefits of finding cancer earlier.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.