CANCER RESEARCH UK nurses will be returning to Blackburn with the Cancer Awareness Roadshow helping local people spot the signs and symptoms of the disease.
The roadshow will be at Blackburn Indoor Market on Church Street on April 21.
Since it began in 2006, the roadshow has welcomed over 700,000 visitors across the UK, helping people to reduce the risk of cancer and the importance of spotting symptoms early.
The roadshow also provides a welcoming environment to talk to one of the friendly, specially trained Cancer Research UK nurses about the importance of screening for certain types of cancer.
Spotting cancer early can make a real difference as treatment is more likely to be successful when cancers are diagnosed at an early stage.
The experienced team help thousands of people every year and can support people to seek help from their GP if they notice anything that isn’t normal for them.
Conversations and support like this are more vital than ever with COVID-19 having caused disruption to cancer services across the UK. It’s so important to get any health concerns checked out.
Visitors can access the roadshow anytime on the day to speak with the nurses without needing an appointment.
The roadshow is part of Cancer Research UK’s continued commitment to making health information as accessible as possible to everyone.
It was launched in 2006 supported by the Marie Keating Foundation, which was set up by the Irish singer and TV presenter Ronan Keating and his family in memory of their mum Marie who died from breast cancer.
Ronan Keating said: “Just like many families we know first-hand the impact of losing a loved one to cancer. We wanted to do something positive to help people understand more about cancer and the small changes they can make to reduce the risk of cancer.
“The roadshow helps to get these messages out to people as they go about their daily lives in town centres, shopping malls and community centres.
“My family and I are very proud to support the Cancer Research UK Cancer Awareness Roadshow and we think our mum would be pleased with the work we are doing.”
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Cancer Research UK’s formation. The charity’s work has been at the heart of some of the biggest developments in cancer, from radiotherapy to some of the most used cancer drugs around the world today.
The roadshow is another way the charity is helping to beat this disease, working in the heart of communities, particularly where the need is greatest.
Sandra Howard, Cancer Research UK senior cancer awareness nurse in the North West, said: “Around 4 in 10 cases of cancer could be prevented each year in the UK largely through changes like stopping smoking and keeping a healthy weight. We’re here to help in areas that need it most and are looking forward to talking to lots of people in Blackburn about the steps they can take to help reduce their risk of cancer.
“Cancer hasn’t stopped because of the pandemic and it’s vital that people seek help for any unusual signs or symptoms.
“Treatment is far more likely to be effective when cancers are diagnosed at an early stage, which is why it’s so important for people to listen to their bodies and tell their doctor if they notice a change that isn’t normal for them.”
The nurses receive incredibly positive feedback from the public in all the areas they visit. Many visitors share how pleased they are to have the roadshow in their community and how grateful they are for the information and support on offer.
There are many positive health changes people can make to reduce their cancer risk, including stopping smoking, cutting down on alcohol and eating a healthy, balanced diet. The roadshow nurses can help people to identify steps they feel able to take and signpost towards free local services to support them.
One topic that the nurses are keen to draw attention to is how to stop smoking.
Sandra said: “If you smoke, stopping is the best thing you can do for your health. By using prescription medication, together with support from your local free stop smoking service, you’re around three times more likely to quit than going it alone.
“Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist or call the NHS Smokefree helpline on 0300 123 1044 to find out what will work for you.”
To find out more about how to reduce the risk of cancer and the importance of detecting it early, visit cruk.org/prevent or cruk.org/spotcancerearly.
Please be aware that the roadshows are subject to change.
To view an up-to-date list of roadshow dates and locations please visit cruk.org/roadshow or follow the North West Roadshow team on Twitter @CRUKroadshow_NW.
from:uk.finance.yahoo.com
published 2022-04-26 18:38:35
