Teenage Cancer Trust takes over Europe’s largest digital screen to raise awareness of signs of cancer in young people

Teenage Cancer Trust has transformed Europe’s largest digital screen as part of a campaign to raise awareness of the most common signs and symptoms of cancer in young people.  

Comedian and long-term Teenage Cancer Trust supporter Jason Manford unveiled the digital experience, which is at Printworks in Manchester until Sunday 18 October. It features colourful animations and visuals of the five most common signs and symptoms of cancer in people aged 13-24. 

It comes after research* by Teenage Cancer Trust revealed that just 15% of 18–24-year-olds could identify all five of the most common cancer symptoms in young people, while a quarter (25%) could identify four. 

The most common signs and symptoms are: Lumps and swellings (not caused by an accident), unexplained tiredness, persistent pain, mole changes, and unexplained weight change. 

Teenage Cancer Trust research also showed that awareness of cancer in young people is low. The charity asked 2,200 people aged 13+ how likely they thought it was for someone aged 15–24 to be diagnosed with cancer.  

The odds are 1 in 370, but almost half (47%) thought the chances were much lower - between 1 in 1,000 to less than 1 in a million.   

Jason, who has supported the charity for many years, including creating the viral Thumbs Up for Stephen Sutton campaign on social media, said: “It’s really powerful to see Teenage Cancer Trust take over the digital ceiling in Printworks and it has been an honour to unveil it. 

“Every few hours a young person in the UK hears the words ‘you have cancer’. 

“It’s incredibly important that everyone is aware of the signs and symptoms of cancer in young people so they can be diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible.  

“Teenage Cancer Trust will always have a special place in my heart and it’s so special to see the charity put its mark on Manchester.  

“I urge everyone to come down to Printworks to see the installation while it is here.” 

As part of the campaign, on Friday 16 October, the public can interact with the installation by playing a quiz on an iPad, designed to test people’s knowledge of the signs of cancer in young people. 

As visitors answer questions, the digital ceiling will change to create a visual experience. 

The public can also play a ‘mix and match’ game, giving visitors another chance to test their knowledge and learn more about Teenage Cancer Trust. 

Sophie Rooney, Marketing Manager at Printworks, said: “It is a privilege to be partnering with Teenage Cancer Trust and helping them to bring such an extremely important campaign to Manchester. 

“Our digital ceiling gives us a unique opportunity to capture the attention of thousands of visitors and use the power of digital experiences to help the charity communicate a message that could genuinely make a life changing difference to young people.” 

In the North West, over 200 people aged 13-24 are newly diagnosed with cancer each year.  

Teenage Cancer Trust works across the region to fund specialist nurses, youth workers and hospital wards within the NHS, so young people with cancer get the sensitive, individual care and support they need at this unique and critical life stage. 

Dr Louise Soanes, Chief Nurse at Teenage Cancer Trust, said: “There are lots of different signs and symptoms of cancer.  

“Having any of them doesn’t necessarily mean you have cancer but it’s important to get anything you’re worried about checked out by a health professional. 

“If it turns out not to be cancer, you haven’t wasted anyone’s time. You should always be listened to and taken seriously. 

“If your symptoms turn out to be cancer, then getting diagnosed early is really important, because early diagnosis and treatment will improve your outcomes.  

“It’s normal to feel nervous before speaking to your doctor but it is important that you share as much detail as possible so they can understand what you’re worried about and how it’s affecting you.”