Welcome to the SCPN e-digest (Issue 2)

So many months have passed since we launched our first e-digest but here at SCPN we have been beavering away on learning more about how the environment and lifestyles can help to decrease risk of cancer and improve the lives of people who have had a cancer diagnosis. When COVID-19 first hit Scotland it seemed wrong to have a strong steer towards healthy living when the major message was to stay at home and stay safe. Now we understand that there may be strong COVID related reasons to watch our body weight, to eat well and to keep physically active to reduce the severity of the condition and give our bodies the best chances of staying well. But the messages and routes to healthier living have changed; gone are our (physical) group classes and shared problem sharing, replaced by zoom sessions, new APPS and telephone prompts and messages. The digital world has (for the moment) taken over, or as they say in the medical school “blended learning” is the new normal. Much cancer related research activities have been paused but, many researchers now have time to analyse data and identify better ways to improve early detection and preventative actions. Cancer diagnosis and care has been delayed but not forgotten and only through limiting COVID and aiming at zero COVID will we be able to get cancer support back to being fully operational. Let’s hope the weeks and months ahead see better times and compliance with all the behavioural changes that are recommended so we can resume all things that are good.

Annie S. Anderson and Bob Steele

In this issue we have:

• Progress report from The ActWELL Study
• Highlights from the SCPN blog
• Exciting news about a new PhD Opportunity.
• A round up of interesting recently published research
• Covid-19 Changing how we live our lives
• Exciting upcoming events
• Free online courses
• Get on your Bike infographic