Cancer Screening:
Early Detection Saves Lives
Why Cancer Screening Matters to Lonely Llama
At the heart of Lonely Llama is a simple belief: families matter, and people deserve the chance to thrive together.
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Cancer affects countless families every single day. When someone is diagnosed late, the impact reaches far beyond the individual — it can change the course of an entire family’s life. The loss, fear, and uncertainty that follow can leave families feeling broken, with thriving no longer feeling possible.
We understand this because we see it.
In our communities - In our conversations - In the lives of the people we support.
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Cancer screening is not just a medical issue — it is a family issue.
Early detection can mean more time, more options, and more moments together. It can be the difference between treatment being possible and opportunities being lost. That is why cancer screening matters to us.
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This page may seem different from other areas of Lonely Llama’s work, but it comes from the same place: a desire to protect families, support wellbeing, and help people live fuller lives together.
By working alongside the NHS, Great Yarmouth Unity Project, and other organisations, we want to help share this message clearly and compassionately. Even if we can help in a small way — by encouraging understanding, reducing fear, or prompting one person to attend screening — that matters.
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Because helping families stay together, and giving them the chance to thrive, starts with protecting health.
World Cancer Day - 4 February - Together, raising awareness of cancer screening
As a local organisation, we also want to highlight support available within our own community.
Louise Hamilton Centre – Supporting people affected by cancer and other life limiting and progressive illnesses
The Louise Hamilton Centre at the James Paget University Hospital offers information, guidance, and practical support for people affected by cancer and other life-limiting and progressive illnesses, including families and carers. The centre works with clinical teams and community groups to help people access the support they need at different stages of their journey.
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The centre is home to Cancer Care Navigators who provide compassionate, non-clinical support from diagnosis through treatment and beyond. They offer emotional support, help people connect with local services, and signpost to additional resources that may support wellbeing and practical needs.
The Louise Hamilton Centre also provides opportunities for informal support, such as wellbeing groups and regular sessions where people, carers, and families can meet others with shared experiences and gather helpful information.
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By offering a welcoming and supportive environment, the Louise Hamilton Centre plays a valued role in helping the local community find information, feel supported, and navigate their personal journey.
Contact and opening times:
Monday to Friday, 08:30 – 17:00
Closed on bank holidays
Cancer Care Navigator direct line:
01493 452783
Cancer Care Navigator service hours:
Monday to Friday, 09:00 – 16:00
Closed on bank holidays
Louise Hamilton Centre, James Paget University Hospital, Lowestoft Road, Gorleston-on-Sea, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk,
NR31 6LA - 01493 453100
Information provided with thanks to the Louise Hamilton Centre team, James Paget University Hospital.
Breast Cancer Screening.
Early detection can save lives
Breast cancer screening is offered to people without symptoms and aims to identify changes in the breast at an early stage. Screening helps detect cancers earlier, when treatment options may be more effective.
Meet our local Lead Breast Clinical Nurse Specialist, Samantha Robinson, from the James Paget University Hospital. Watch the video below for an insight into breast cancer screening from a healthcare professional working at the heart of this important service.
Learn about breast cancer screening in this video, with thanks to GYUP.
Bowel Cancer Screening.
A simple test that can make a big difference
Bowel cancer screening looks for blood in stool (faeces), which can be an early sign of bowel cancer. The test is completed at home and may lead to further tests if changes are found.
Learn about bowel cancer screening in this video, with thanks to GYUP.
More information and NHS-led conversations will be added soon.
Cervical Cancer Screening.
Preventing cancer before it develops
Cervical screening checks for human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause changes in cervical cells. It is not a test for cancer, but a way of identifying changes early so they can be monitored or treated if needed.
Learn about cervical cancer screening in this video, with thanks to GYUP.
More information and NHS-led conversations will be added soon.
We are currently highlighting breast, bowel, and cervical cancer screening as part of our work with GYUP.
A message for our community
Cancer screening saves lives.
Yet every year, thousands of people miss screening appointments—not because they don’t care, but because of fear, confusion, time pressures, past experiences, or simply not understanding how important screening really is.
This page exists to help change that
Working alongside Great Yarmouth Unity Project (GYUP) and in collaboration with NHS teams, Lonely Llama is helping to raise awareness, break down barriers, and encourage open, honest conversations about cancer screening.
If you have been affected by cancer and would like to talk to someone, you can Contact Us and we will help guide you to appropriate support for your needs.
Find out more about NHS cancer screening
Visit the NHS website for up-to-date information on cancer screening.
Great Yarmouth Unity Project (GYUP)
Learn more about GYUP’s work on cancer awareness and screening by visiting the GYUP website.
Lonely LLama was selected to join the Cancer Screening Programme for GYUP, sponsored by GYNV PCN, Gorleston PCN and Norfolk and Waveney ICB
With thanks to The Breadkitchen, Mandalay Wellbeing CIC, Action Community Enterprises (ACE), Dr Dawn Heather, On Your Side and The Mosque for their support.
Cancer screening helps protect families and the moments that matter most.
More information coming soon
We’ll be adding further content over time, covering other cancer screening programmes and initiatives. Lonely Llama, alongside GYUP and our partners, is committed to supporting the community through awareness, guidance, and events aimed at helping families understand and access cancer screening.
