Cancer checks tour in town
Viewing guidefor Euro ‘16 Early detection is stressed at store
As Hamilton football fans prepare to watch live coverage of team player Michael Mcgovern in Euro 2016 on their TVS, laptops, tablets and smartphones, some may have to arrange an afternoon off to make sure their employer is kept happy.
Many games in the tournament kick off during normal working hours and TV Licensing have launched a campaign to ensure bosses provide a TV viewing policy guide to support the coverage and check they are properly licenced if they are happy to let staff watch live matches at work.
While Scotland is the only home nations team that failed to qualify for the tournament, many locals could be leaving their desks to head to the canteen TV to cheer on Hamilton Academical FC player and Northern Ireland international goalkeeper Mcgovern. Some may also choose to live stream the match on their work computer.
According to recent research, only one in three employees in Scotland (32 per cent) feel informed about the rules when it comes to watching live TV at work. To help managers inform their staff, TV Licensing have developed a workplace viewing guide which provides simple guidance for staff who want to watch the tournament at work.
The survey also revealed only 11 per cent of employees at a permanent workplace operating a TV viewing policy said they have permission to watch any TV at work, meaning much of the workforce may miss out on the big game, or have to go home to follow the action.
However, 29 per cent of Scots employees said they would watch a big sporting event at work such as the Euros, if the TV viewing policy allowed it.
For details visit tvlicensing.co.uk/ businessinfo
The benefits of finding cancer early were highlighted to shoppers in Hamilton this week as the Detect Cancer Early tour hit the town.
A team of specialists were at Asda to encourage more people to get checked if they have concerns.
Around 1000 deaths could be avoided each year in Scotland if cancer survival matched the best in Europe. Early detection is key – the earlier cancer is found, the easier it is to treat.
Statistics show that the likelihood of surviving breast cancer is five times higher if detected at an early stage compared to a late stage, 14 times higher for bowel cancer and 20 times higher for lung cancer.
Dr Jennifer Darnborough, consultant in public health medicine at NHS Lanarkshire, said: “More people are surviving cancer than ever before thanks to earlier detection. It’s essential people realise that acting sooner rather than later can make all the difference to the chances of survival and, in some cases, even cure.
“It’s important to know your body and what’s normal for you – it will make it easier to spot any changes, whether unusual or persistent.
“If you do spot something, don’t worry, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have cancer. It’s probably nothing to worry about but, either way, it’s best to get checked.”
The tour focused on raising awareness of the importance of screening and the potential signs and symptoms of breast, bowel and lung cancer.
The ‘Don’t Get Scared, Get Checked’ call comes as recent research shows that fear is a key barrier to people presenting with potential signs or symptoms and taking part in screening. This can often result in later stage diagnoses, when the chance of survival is lower.
The roadshow provided tailored information to visitors at the stand – depending on their age and gender – and encouraged them to act sooner rather than later if they have any worries or concerns about themselves or a loved one.
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing Shona Robison said: “Raising awareness of the importance of finding cancer early is vital to increasing survival rates, which is why we’re taking the ‘don’t get scared, get checked’ message out on the road and speaking to communities across Scotland.
“I’d urge anyone who is worried or has a concern to see their GP and take part in screening when invited. The earlier you come forward, the better. It could save your life.”
For further information, visit www. getcheckedearly.org.