YORKSHIRE Cancer Research brought its ‘White Rose’ campaign to Barnsley last week to shine a spotlight on the town’s cancer inequalities.

Outside Barnsley Town Hall, the charity’s ‘digivan’ revealed that Barnsley has the lowest rate of early cancer diagnosis in South Yorkshire, with one in two cancers diagnosed at a late stage when treatment can be more difficult.

Barnsley was one of several towns and cities visited during the charity’s regional tour, each chosen to highlight the unique challenges communities face in preventing, diagnosing, and treating cancer.

By spotlighting the town, the charity is broadcasting a bold call for the government to consider the needs of Yorkshire in the National Cancer Plan, which is due to be published later this year.

Dr Kathryn Scott, chief executive: “Yorkshire Day is a moment to celebrate our region’s rich culture, history, landscape and identity.

“However, in Yorkshire, people are more likely to get cancer and more likely to die from it than almost anywhere else in England.

“What does it mean to be proud of our home if we can’t protect the people who live there?

“We’re inviting everyone who loves Yorkshire - whether for its windswept moors, bustling markets or vibrant cities - to come together and demand for the government to address health inequalities and ensure a cancer-free future for all.”

Barnsley woman Lesley Penty was diagnosed with lung cancer after attending a lung health check.

Following her diagnosis, she took part in Active Together every week.

Funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research, Active Together is a research-backed cancer exercise treatment programme designed by Sheffield Hallam University’s Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre.

She attended the event outside the town hall last week.

She said: “Thanks to my lung health check, my lung cancer was found early which is why I didn’t need any chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

“It’s why I’m still here today - I was one of the lucky ones.

“I tell everybody that they should attend screening if they are invited - it could save their life.

“I needed surgery to remove the tumour in my lung, and Active Together helped prepare me for that by making sure I was as fit and as mentally prepared as I could be.

“I was also very tired after my operation, but thanks to the brilliant team at Active Together, I now feel fantastic both physically and mentally.

“Even though it’s only been months since my diagnosis, I’m now more positive and hopeful for the future.

“Exercise is not only great for improving recovery and increasing cancer survival but has also been crucial in helping me focus on the joys of everyday life and my mental health.

“I want the government to roll out lung screening and exercise programmes across the country as quickly as possible so more lives can be saved.

“That’s why I’m urging everyone to back Yorkshire Cancer Research’s White Rose campaign.”

More than 1,000 people have now pledged to send symbolic white roses - well-loved as the iconic emblem of Yorkshire - to Health Secretary, Wes Streeting in September as part of a growing public movement calling for urgent action.

Dr Scott added: “The white rose has long been symbolic of the region’s independence, resilience and community, and it has now grown to represent more than hundreds of voices, determined to bring health equality to their home.”