Sharna
@headsmartfellow.bsky.social
Vice-Chair of CYP Cancer Taskforce @ DHSC, PEM GRID Trainee, CCLG Early Diagnosis Fellow, HeadSmart Ambassador, RCPCH Milestones Editor, Trainee Rep @PERUKI & Trustee @ Larsen’s Pride
Pinned
Sharna
@headsmartfellow.bsky.social
· Aug 8
Today, we’re launching #ChildCancerSmart alongside campaign ambassador @dramirkhangp.bsky.social - an evidence-based public and professional awareness campaign to improve #EarlyDiagnosis of cancer in children and teenagers aged up to 18 🩵🎗️
Find out more at cclg.org.uk/childcancers...
Find out more at cclg.org.uk/childcancers...
Absolutely delighted to see the Child Cancer Smart campaign launch today.
A campaign steeped in evidence aiming to raise awareness and accelerate diagnosis for all children and young people with cancer.
Huge thank you to everyone who has worked so hard to make this happen.
A campaign steeped in evidence aiming to raise awareness and accelerate diagnosis for all children and young people with cancer.
Huge thank you to everyone who has worked so hard to make this happen.
Reposted by Sharna
We welcome plans to scrap the ineffective and unjust two child limit. To truly achieve the Government’s goal of creating the healthiest generation of children ever, the two child limit must be scrapped entirely.
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Rachel Reeves to lift two-child benefit cap in November budget
Exclusive: Officials exploring options to change rule that affected 1.7 million children in Great Britain last year
www.theguardian.com
October 1, 2025 at 1:41 PM
We welcome plans to scrap the ineffective and unjust two child limit. To truly achieve the Government’s goal of creating the healthiest generation of children ever, the two child limit must be scrapped entirely.
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Reposted by Sharna
Today, we’re launching #ChildCancerSmart alongside campaign ambassador @dramirkhangp.bsky.social - an evidence-based public and professional awareness campaign to improve #EarlyDiagnosis of cancer in children and teenagers aged up to 18 🩵🎗️
Find out more at cclg.org.uk/childcancers...
Find out more at cclg.org.uk/childcancers...
August 7, 2025 at 12:15 PM
Today, we’re launching #ChildCancerSmart alongside campaign ambassador @dramirkhangp.bsky.social - an evidence-based public and professional awareness campaign to improve #EarlyDiagnosis of cancer in children and teenagers aged up to 18 🩵🎗️
Find out more at cclg.org.uk/childcancers...
Find out more at cclg.org.uk/childcancers...
Reposted by Sharna
Cancer is the biggest killer by disease in the UK of children and teenagers. Too many are waiting longer than necessary to be diagnosed ‼️ Research shows that while some are diagnosed quickly after showing symptoms, many may take months or years - we want to close this gap 👇
August 7, 2025 at 12:15 PM
Cancer is the biggest killer by disease in the UK of children and teenagers. Too many are waiting longer than necessary to be diagnosed ‼️ Research shows that while some are diagnosed quickly after showing symptoms, many may take months or years - we want to close this gap 👇
Reposted by Sharna
We want #HealthcareProfessionals to consider the question: 'Could it be cancer?'
If a child has 3 persistent symptoms, 3 GP visits, or 3 weeks of unexplained symptoms, it might be time to call your local on-call paediatrician 📞
cclg.org.uk/childcancers...
#ChildCancerSmart
If a child has 3 persistent symptoms, 3 GP visits, or 3 weeks of unexplained symptoms, it might be time to call your local on-call paediatrician 📞
cclg.org.uk/childcancers...
#ChildCancerSmart
August 8, 2025 at 1:55 PM
We want #HealthcareProfessionals to consider the question: 'Could it be cancer?'
If a child has 3 persistent symptoms, 3 GP visits, or 3 weeks of unexplained symptoms, it might be time to call your local on-call paediatrician 📞
cclg.org.uk/childcancers...
#ChildCancerSmart
If a child has 3 persistent symptoms, 3 GP visits, or 3 weeks of unexplained symptoms, it might be time to call your local on-call paediatrician 📞
cclg.org.uk/childcancers...
#ChildCancerSmart
Reposted by Sharna
3 persistent symptoms, 3 GP visits or 3 weeks of unexplained symptoms? We want #HealthcareProfessionals to consider: 'Could it be cancer?'
#ChildCancerSmart Dissemination Lead, @drbobphillips.bsky.social, explains more about our evidence-based approach.
🔗 bit.ly/4lno0Kh
#ChildCancerSmart Dissemination Lead, @drbobphillips.bsky.social, explains more about our evidence-based approach.
🔗 bit.ly/4lno0Kh
August 19, 2025 at 8:44 AM
3 persistent symptoms, 3 GP visits or 3 weeks of unexplained symptoms? We want #HealthcareProfessionals to consider: 'Could it be cancer?'
#ChildCancerSmart Dissemination Lead, @drbobphillips.bsky.social, explains more about our evidence-based approach.
🔗 bit.ly/4lno0Kh
#ChildCancerSmart Dissemination Lead, @drbobphillips.bsky.social, explains more about our evidence-based approach.
🔗 bit.ly/4lno0Kh
September the 1st marks the start of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Early diagnosis is key.
Are you Child Cancer Smart?
#CCAM
Early diagnosis is key.
Are you Child Cancer Smart?
#CCAM
Around 1 in 500 children in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer by age 14. This #CCAM, we’re highlighting #ChildCancerSmart, sharing information about how diagnoses are made and what support is available for families 🎗️
Find out more and get involved at bit.ly/45JBdsi
Find out more and get involved at bit.ly/45JBdsi
September 1, 2025 at 10:59 AM
September the 1st marks the start of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Early diagnosis is key.
Are you Child Cancer Smart?
#CCAM
Early diagnosis is key.
Are you Child Cancer Smart?
#CCAM
Reposted by Sharna
Pleased to launch #ChildCancerSmart today, aiming to speed up diagnosis of cancer in children and young people through raising awareness with the public and equipping professionals with tools and resources to help them with diagnosis
Today, we’re launching #ChildCancerSmart alongside campaign ambassador @dramirkhangp.bsky.social - an evidence-based public and professional awareness campaign to improve #EarlyDiagnosis of cancer in children and teenagers aged up to 18 🩵🎗️
Find out more at cclg.org.uk/childcancers...
Find out more at cclg.org.uk/childcancers...
August 7, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Pleased to launch #ChildCancerSmart today, aiming to speed up diagnosis of cancer in children and young people through raising awareness with the public and equipping professionals with tools and resources to help them with diagnosis
Reposted by Sharna
It follows several years of research, including a population-based observational study and a lot of systematic reviews, to ensure we have, for the first time, a sound evidence base and a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of childhood cancer and the pathways to diagnosis.
August 7, 2025 at 3:32 PM
It follows several years of research, including a population-based observational study and a lot of systematic reviews, to ensure we have, for the first time, a sound evidence base and a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of childhood cancer and the pathways to diagnosis.
Reposted by Sharna
Huge thanks to everyone involved, not least CCLG Early Diagnosis Fellow @headsmartfellow.bsky.social, all of the team involved in this, the children, young people and families who have contributed, and @dramirkhangp.bsky.social for helping to spread the word!
August 7, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Huge thanks to everyone involved, not least CCLG Early Diagnosis Fellow @headsmartfellow.bsky.social, all of the team involved in this, the children, young people and families who have contributed, and @dramirkhangp.bsky.social for helping to spread the word!
Absolutely delighted to see the Child Cancer Smart campaign launch today.
A campaign steeped in evidence aiming to raise awareness and accelerate diagnosis for all children and young people with cancer.
Huge thank you to everyone who has worked so hard to make this happen.
A campaign steeped in evidence aiming to raise awareness and accelerate diagnosis for all children and young people with cancer.
Huge thank you to everyone who has worked so hard to make this happen.
Today, we’re launching #ChildCancerSmart alongside campaign ambassador @dramirkhangp.bsky.social - an evidence-based public and professional awareness campaign to improve #EarlyDiagnosis of cancer in children and teenagers aged up to 18 🩵🎗️
Find out more at cclg.org.uk/childcancers...
Find out more at cclg.org.uk/childcancers...
August 8, 2025 at 12:00 AM
Absolutely delighted to see the Child Cancer Smart campaign launch today.
A campaign steeped in evidence aiming to raise awareness and accelerate diagnosis for all children and young people with cancer.
Huge thank you to everyone who has worked so hard to make this happen.
A campaign steeped in evidence aiming to raise awareness and accelerate diagnosis for all children and young people with cancer.
Huge thank you to everyone who has worked so hard to make this happen.
Reposted by Sharna
New edition of Milestones is here! This issue all about progressing in paediatrics - with tips on Tier 2 Shifts, the portfolio pathway and new PCHCF curriculum.
www.rcpch.ac.uk/membership/m...
@sebjgray.bsky.social @headsmartfellow.bsky.social @drjamesdearden.bsky.social @hannahbaynes.bsky.social
www.rcpch.ac.uk/membership/m...
@sebjgray.bsky.social @headsmartfellow.bsky.social @drjamesdearden.bsky.social @hannahbaynes.bsky.social
June 23, 2025 at 8:09 AM
New edition of Milestones is here! This issue all about progressing in paediatrics - with tips on Tier 2 Shifts, the portfolio pathway and new PCHCF curriculum.
www.rcpch.ac.uk/membership/m...
@sebjgray.bsky.social @headsmartfellow.bsky.social @drjamesdearden.bsky.social @hannahbaynes.bsky.social
www.rcpch.ac.uk/membership/m...
@sebjgray.bsky.social @headsmartfellow.bsky.social @drjamesdearden.bsky.social @hannahbaynes.bsky.social
Reposted by Sharna
🏆 RCEM's QIP Competition for 2028-2033 is open! 🏆
Are you a passionate RCEM member with an area of Emergency Care that you believe needs to be prioritised to improve patient care?
Then submit your idea here! - tinyurl.com/5b72np5m
Read more about the competition here: tinyurl.com/bdz5j3wu
Are you a passionate RCEM member with an area of Emergency Care that you believe needs to be prioritised to improve patient care?
Then submit your idea here! - tinyurl.com/5b72np5m
Read more about the competition here: tinyurl.com/bdz5j3wu
June 23, 2025 at 9:40 AM
🏆 RCEM's QIP Competition for 2028-2033 is open! 🏆
Are you a passionate RCEM member with an area of Emergency Care that you believe needs to be prioritised to improve patient care?
Then submit your idea here! - tinyurl.com/5b72np5m
Read more about the competition here: tinyurl.com/bdz5j3wu
Are you a passionate RCEM member with an area of Emergency Care that you believe needs to be prioritised to improve patient care?
Then submit your idea here! - tinyurl.com/5b72np5m
Read more about the competition here: tinyurl.com/bdz5j3wu
Another fantastic issue of Milestones showcasing how to ‘progress in paediatrics’ whichever route you take.
Thank you to James and to everyone who contributed, we wouldn’t be able to do this without you. Please get in touch if you would like to pen something for future issues!
Thank you to James and to everyone who contributed, we wouldn’t be able to do this without you. Please get in touch if you would like to pen something for future issues!
New edition of Milestones is here! This issue all about progressing in paediatrics - with tips on Tier 2 Shifts, the portfolio pathway and new PCHCF curriculum.
www.rcpch.ac.uk/membership/m...
@sebjgray.bsky.social @headsmartfellow.bsky.social @drjamesdearden.bsky.social @hannahbaynes.bsky.social
www.rcpch.ac.uk/membership/m...
@sebjgray.bsky.social @headsmartfellow.bsky.social @drjamesdearden.bsky.social @hannahbaynes.bsky.social
June 23, 2025 at 8:48 AM
Another fantastic issue of Milestones showcasing how to ‘progress in paediatrics’ whichever route you take.
Thank you to James and to everyone who contributed, we wouldn’t be able to do this without you. Please get in touch if you would like to pen something for future issues!
Thank you to James and to everyone who contributed, we wouldn’t be able to do this without you. Please get in touch if you would like to pen something for future issues!
Reposted by Sharna
Really proud to have been a part of this team and to sign off with my final editorial comment on such a great edition!
As always - there are some absolute gems to watch out for in here, so well worth reading from cover to cover.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed and continues to do so!
As always - there are some absolute gems to watch out for in here, so well worth reading from cover to cover.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed and continues to do so!
New edition of Milestones is here! This issue all about progressing in paediatrics - with tips on Tier 2 Shifts, the portfolio pathway and new PCHCF curriculum.
www.rcpch.ac.uk/membership/m...
@sebjgray.bsky.social @headsmartfellow.bsky.social @drjamesdearden.bsky.social @hannahbaynes.bsky.social
www.rcpch.ac.uk/membership/m...
@sebjgray.bsky.social @headsmartfellow.bsky.social @drjamesdearden.bsky.social @hannahbaynes.bsky.social
June 23, 2025 at 8:45 AM
Really proud to have been a part of this team and to sign off with my final editorial comment on such a great edition!
As always - there are some absolute gems to watch out for in here, so well worth reading from cover to cover.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed and continues to do so!
As always - there are some absolute gems to watch out for in here, so well worth reading from cover to cover.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed and continues to do so!
Reposted by Sharna
NOW ONLINE @lancetrh-europe.bsky.social: times and routes to diagnosis for children and young people with cancer across the UK, in the Childhood Cancer Diagnosis study (CCD), reported by @headsmartfellow.bsky.social and colleagues #earlydiagnosis
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
Quantifying diagnostic intervals and routes to diagnosis for children and young people with cancer in the UK (Childhood Cancer Diagnosis study, CCD): a population-based observational study
This study highlights equal access to diagnosis for sex, ethnicity and IMD, but disparities
for age and diagnostic groups. These data will inform professional and public health
strategies and health p...
www.thelancet.com
May 29, 2025 at 12:14 PM
NOW ONLINE @lancetrh-europe.bsky.social: times and routes to diagnosis for children and young people with cancer across the UK, in the Childhood Cancer Diagnosis study (CCD), reported by @headsmartfellow.bsky.social and colleagues #earlydiagnosis
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
Reposted by Sharna
It's great to be able to share the results of the landmark Childhood Cancer Diagnosis Study years of work! The aim was for us to quantify diagnostic intervals and referral routes for CYP (0-18) with cancer. (1/7)
📢 News: The Childhood Cancer Diagnosis Study, led by Dr Sharna Shanmugavadivel, has found that young people with certain types of cancer are facing lengthy times to diagnosis 🎗
Find out more at bit.ly/3Hg0rVl
#ChildCancerSmart #EarlyDiagnosis @uniofnottingham.bsky.social
Find out more at bit.ly/3Hg0rVl
#ChildCancerSmart #EarlyDiagnosis @uniofnottingham.bsky.social
Children and young people are waiting longer than necessary for cancer diagnosis, according to new research
A new study, led by experts at the University of Nottingham, has found that young people suffering from certain types of cancer, such as bone tumours, are experiencing lengthy times to diagnosis.
bit.ly
May 28, 2025 at 6:41 PM
It's great to be able to share the results of the landmark Childhood Cancer Diagnosis Study years of work! The aim was for us to quantify diagnostic intervals and referral routes for CYP (0-18) with cancer. (1/7)
Delighted to see the @nihr funded CCD study published today in @lancetrh-europe.bsky.social
Lots to celebrate: sex, ethnicity and IMD does not impact time to diagnosis for CYP w cancer.
But also lots to improve: young people and certain diagnostic groups need urgent attention.
#earlydiagnosis
Lots to celebrate: sex, ethnicity and IMD does not impact time to diagnosis for CYP w cancer.
But also lots to improve: young people and certain diagnostic groups need urgent attention.
#earlydiagnosis
📢 News: The Childhood Cancer Diagnosis Study, led by Dr Sharna Shanmugavadivel, has found that young people with certain types of cancer are facing lengthy times to diagnosis 🎗
Find out more at bit.ly/3Hg0rVl
#ChildCancerSmart #EarlyDiagnosis @uniofnottingham.bsky.social
Find out more at bit.ly/3Hg0rVl
#ChildCancerSmart #EarlyDiagnosis @uniofnottingham.bsky.social
Children and young people are waiting longer than necessary for cancer diagnosis, according to new research
A new study, led by experts at the University of Nottingham, has found that young people suffering from certain types of cancer, such as bone tumours, are experiencing lengthy times to diagnosis.
bit.ly
May 28, 2025 at 5:41 PM
Delighted to see the @nihr funded CCD study published today in @lancetrh-europe.bsky.social
Lots to celebrate: sex, ethnicity and IMD does not impact time to diagnosis for CYP w cancer.
But also lots to improve: young people and certain diagnostic groups need urgent attention.
#earlydiagnosis
Lots to celebrate: sex, ethnicity and IMD does not impact time to diagnosis for CYP w cancer.
But also lots to improve: young people and certain diagnostic groups need urgent attention.
#earlydiagnosis
Reposted by Sharna
Recording of my talk to the institute of Health Visiting 👇
“Emergency Department (ED) attendances reflect inequalities in society and the systems response to them.
Understanding, and addressing, underlying reasons for ED attendances will ultimately improve the long-term life chances of Children Young People”
ihv.org.uk/news-and-vie...
Understanding, and addressing, underlying reasons for ED attendances will ultimately improve the long-term life chances of Children Young People”
ihv.org.uk/news-and-vie...
Exclusive iHV Insights webinar recording is now open access - IHV
Exclusive iHV Insights webinar recording is now open access: The Public health role in reducing A&E attendances To help raise awareness of health visitors’ role in tackling the current crisis in urgen...
ihv.org.uk
March 18, 2025 at 7:39 AM
Recording of my talk to the institute of Health Visiting 👇
Reposted by Sharna
The Paeds round is RCPCH regular podcast & we are about to start season 2! I’m looking forward to talking to @sbdrysdale & Prof sir Andy Pollard on vaccination & covering oral health with @DrPeterDay & Dr Greig Taylor! Come find me #RCPCH25 @RCPCHtweets learning.rcpch.ac.uk/home/podcasts/…
March 27, 2025 at 8:13 AM
The Paeds round is RCPCH regular podcast & we are about to start season 2! I’m looking forward to talking to @sbdrysdale & Prof sir Andy Pollard on vaccination & covering oral health with @DrPeterDay & Dr Greig Taylor! Come find me #RCPCH25 @RCPCHtweets learning.rcpch.ac.uk/home/podcasts/…
@rcpch.bsky.social Check out the Children&Young People’s Acute Psychiatric & Psychosocial Emergencies (CYP APEx) simulation activities
A fantastic new course providing you with a risk matrix that will enable you to safely & effectively manage CYP in acute distress! #rcpch25
A fantastic new course providing you with a risk matrix that will enable you to safely & effectively manage CYP in acute distress! #rcpch25
March 26, 2025 at 8:29 PM
@rcpch.bsky.social Check out the Children&Young People’s Acute Psychiatric & Psychosocial Emergencies (CYP APEx) simulation activities
A fantastic new course providing you with a risk matrix that will enable you to safely & effectively manage CYP in acute distress! #rcpch25
A fantastic new course providing you with a risk matrix that will enable you to safely & effectively manage CYP in acute distress! #rcpch25
Reposted by Sharna
The spring edition of #RCPCHMilestones explores how health professionals can come together to support children and young people – from navigating screen time to adopting a pro-play mindset.
www.rcpch.ac.uk/milestones
@sebjgray.bsky.social @drjamesdearden.bsky.social @headsmartfellow.bsky.social
www.rcpch.ac.uk/milestones
@sebjgray.bsky.social @drjamesdearden.bsky.social @headsmartfellow.bsky.social
March 21, 2025 at 9:13 AM
The spring edition of #RCPCHMilestones explores how health professionals can come together to support children and young people – from navigating screen time to adopting a pro-play mindset.
www.rcpch.ac.uk/milestones
@sebjgray.bsky.social @drjamesdearden.bsky.social @headsmartfellow.bsky.social
www.rcpch.ac.uk/milestones
@sebjgray.bsky.social @drjamesdearden.bsky.social @headsmartfellow.bsky.social
Reposted by Sharna
Call to action from Prof Lakhanpaul to support children:
“We really need to look at the child holistically, across sectors, provide wrap around services, and shift focus into the community to prevent problems”
“We really need to look at the child holistically, across sectors, provide wrap around services, and shift focus into the community to prevent problems”
March 26, 2025 at 2:26 PM
Call to action from Prof Lakhanpaul to support children:
“We really need to look at the child holistically, across sectors, provide wrap around services, and shift focus into the community to prevent problems”
“We really need to look at the child holistically, across sectors, provide wrap around services, and shift focus into the community to prevent problems”
Reposted by Sharna
We’ve had a brilliant start to the RCPCH 2025 Conference in Glasgow today!
Check out some of our highlights from Day 1 👇
www.rcpch.ac.uk/news-events/news/rcpch-conference-2025-highlights-day-1 #RCPCH25
Check out some of our highlights from Day 1 👇
www.rcpch.ac.uk/news-events/news/rcpch-conference-2025-highlights-day-1 #RCPCH25
March 26, 2025 at 6:18 PM
We’ve had a brilliant start to the RCPCH 2025 Conference in Glasgow today!
Check out some of our highlights from Day 1 👇
www.rcpch.ac.uk/news-events/news/rcpch-conference-2025-highlights-day-1 #RCPCH25
Check out some of our highlights from Day 1 👇
www.rcpch.ac.uk/news-events/news/rcpch-conference-2025-highlights-day-1 #RCPCH25
A brilliant edition bringing together stories of how we can support children & young people! And our most psychedelic cover yet!!!
Always looking for members to write for us and share their experiences, please get in touch if you would like to do so. #RCPCHMilestones
Always looking for members to write for us and share their experiences, please get in touch if you would like to do so. #RCPCHMilestones
The spring edition of #RCPCHMilestones explores how health professionals can come together to support children and young people – from navigating screen time to adopting a pro-play mindset.
www.rcpch.ac.uk/milestones
@sebjgray.bsky.social @drjamesdearden.bsky.social @headsmartfellow.bsky.social
www.rcpch.ac.uk/milestones
@sebjgray.bsky.social @drjamesdearden.bsky.social @headsmartfellow.bsky.social
March 21, 2025 at 9:16 AM
A brilliant edition bringing together stories of how we can support children & young people! And our most psychedelic cover yet!!!
Always looking for members to write for us and share their experiences, please get in touch if you would like to do so. #RCPCHMilestones
Always looking for members to write for us and share their experiences, please get in touch if you would like to do so. #RCPCHMilestones
Reposted by Sharna
On way home from first meeting of the relaunched CYP Cancer Task Force - great to be in a room with a group so passionate about improving things for children & young people with cancer. Now the work begins...
March 4, 2025 at 6:34 PM
On way home from first meeting of the relaunched CYP Cancer Task Force - great to be in a room with a group so passionate about improving things for children & young people with cancer. Now the work begins...