Pennine GP Alliance (PGPA) is pleased to announce the release of two co-produced films that aim to tackle critical barriers in cancer screening for people living with Serious Mental Illness (SMI). The films, which centre lived experience and peer support, are now publicly available and intended for wide sharing across health, care, and community networks.
Why this matters
People with SMI face stark physical health inequalities. They die, on average, 15 to 20 years earlier than the general population. Alarmingly, two in three of these deaths are potentially preventable, with cancer accounting for a substantial proportion.
Research shows that adults with SMI are 18% less likely to take part in breast screening, 20% less likely for cervical, and 31% less likely for bowel screening than people without SMI. In England, people with SMI are also 2.5 times more likely to die prematurely from cancer than those without.
By improving uptake of cancer screening and reducing delays in diagnosis, we have the potential to save lives, reduce suffering, and narrow one of the most persistent health inequality gaps in the UK.
The Films & Their Purpose
PGPA, working with the Calderdale and Kirklees Recovery and Wellbeing College (part of South West Yorkshire Partnership Teaching NHS Foundation Trust) and funded by the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Cancer Alliance, has co-produced two short films:
- A Right to Live – designed primarily for health and care professionals, exploring how screening services can better support individuals with SMI, through inclusive practices and sensitivity to mental health needs. Watch: https://bit.ly/RightToLiveFilm
- Bits, Boobs and Poo – aimed at the wider public (especially people living with SMI and mental health challenges), with personal stories, normalising screening and addressing fear, stigma and practical barriers. Watch: https://bit.ly/BitsBoobsandPooFilm
Both films centre on co-production: people with lived experience of SMI and cancer screening (or cancer) were actively involved not just in storytelling, but in shaping the content, framing messages, and guiding development.
Part of PGPA’s wider work to tackle inequalities
The films form part of Pennine GP Alliance’s Cancer Care Programme, funded by the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Cancer Alliance, which drives quality improvement across cancer pathways in Calderdale.
The programme focuses on three key areas:
- Cancer screening
- Early cancer diagnosis
- Living with and beyond cancer
This work is supported by PGPA’s Cancer Care Coordinator, who works closely with local practices, community partners, and patients to improve early detection and support those affected by cancer.
PGPA also leads work to improve physical health for people with SMI through its SMI Health Checks Champion. This role acts as a dedicated advocate for raising awareness, reducing stigma, and increasing uptake of annual health checks for people living with SMI. The champion works across general practice and the voluntary sector to promote co-production of health action plans, review data, and ensure appropriate care and resources are in place for this vulnerable population.
Voices from the Project
“Working with peer support workers from the Recovery College who have lived experience of both mental health challenges and cancer screening has been vital. Their insights shaped questions, language, and tone – making the films authentic and powerful.”
Matt Ellis, Principal, Recovery & Wellbeing College
“These films bring together the voices that are too rarely heard. They push us to rethink how screening services are delivered and challenge us to do better for a group who have been systemically overlooked.”
Dr Asif Yaseen, Medical Director, PGPA
“Ensuring equitable access to cancer screening for people living with serious mental illness is a vital step toward improving community health outcomes. Through this campaign we aim to break down barriers and ensure that everyone has the opportunity for early detection and timely care.”
Dinah Coggon, Living With and Beyond Programme Manager, West Yorkshire and Harrogate Cancer Alliance.
“In sharing my story, I hope others like me see that screening does not have to be something to fear — that it’s possible, it’s safe, and it can save lives.”
Ashish Sharma, Film Participant with Lived Experience of SMI
How to Watch & Share
The films are now live on the PGPA YouTube channel and available for public use. We encourage health services, GP practices, community groups, and voluntary and community organisations across Calderdale (and beyond) to embed them in training, public communications, and outreach programmes.
Permission is granted to post them on websites, social media and newsletters. Sharing widely is central to the impact we hope to achieve.
Supporting Broader Change
This project is one component of wider work to close the mortality gap for people with SMI. It aligns with national efforts emphasising physical health checks, trauma-informed approaches, and integrated care pathways for people with severe mental illness.
By bringing lived experience into focus, we aim to influence service design, professional training, and community awareness – ultimately contributing to better outcomes, earlier diagnoses, and fewer preventable deaths.
For more information or to arrange an interview please contact:
Holly Jenkinson
Head of Communications
Pennine GP Alliance
holly.jenkinson3@nhs.net