Paisley visit for roadshow in fight against cancer
Buddies can get free tips from nurses at a health roadshow on how to reduce the risk of cancer and spot it early.
Cancer Research UK nurses Christine Campbell and Darragh Casey will be running a regular Cancer Awareness Roadshow in Paisley.
It will be at the Piazza Shopping Centre, near the Gauze Street entrance, on Wednesday, June 2 between 10am and 4pm, returning to the same venue on Wednesday June 30, then visiting throughout the year.
Social distancing and safety measures will be in place to protect the public and staff.
Every year, around 32,400 people are diagnosed with cancer in Scotland, but detecting cancer at an earlier stage means treatment is more likely to be successful.
The roadshow is part of Cancer Research UK’s continued commitment to making health information as accessible as possible.
Christine, who is a CRUK senior cancer awareness nurse, said: “At a time when the world feels very different for many of us, it’s more important than ever that we continue to raise awareness of cancer.
“We are looking forward to talking to lots of people from Paisley about the steps they can take to help reduce their risk through changes like stopping smoking, reducing alcohol intake and keeping a healthy weight.
“Experts estimate around four in ten cases of cancer could be prevented each year in the UK, largely through changes like these.
“Cancer hasn’t stopped because of the pandemic and it’s vital that people continue to seek help for any unusual signs or symptoms.
“Treatment is far more likely to be effective when it’s spotted at an early stage, which is why it’s so important to listen to your body and to tell your doctor if you notice a change that isn’t normal for you.
“With Covid- 19 having caused disruption to cancer services across the UK, including impacting screening and diagnosis, conversations like this are more vital than ever.
“It may be more difficult for some people to get an appointment with their GP right now, but it’s so important to keep trying.”
The nurses will be on hand to have conversations about the importance of spotting cancer earlier – when it is more likely to be treated successfully – and to support people to seek help from their GP if they notice anything that isn’t normal for them.
They can talk to visitors about ways to reduce the risk of cancer by making positive health changes like stopping smoking, cutting down on alcohol and eating a healthy, balanced diet.
They can signpost towards free support services and also give out information on cancer screening.
Visitors can access the roadshow any time on the day to pick up information and speak with the nurses or schedule a repeat visit to get ongoing support
Ahead of World No Tobacco day on Monday, May 31, the roadshow nurses will be keen to discuss how to stop smoking.
Christine added: “If you smoke, stopping is the best thing you can do for your health.
“If you use prescription medication and seek 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 a Quit Your Way Scotland advisor on 0800 84 84 84 to find out what will work for you.”
To find out more about how to reduce the risk of cancer and detect it early, visit cruk. org/ prevent or cruk.org/spotcancerearly
Due to ongoing restrictions, dates and locations for the roadshow are subject to change and an updated list is available at cruk.org/roadshow
Follow the Scotland Roadshow team on Twitter on @CRUKRoadshow_SC You can watch Christine speaking about the cancer awareness roadshow and advice on stopping smoking online at www. youtube. com/ watch?v=LBAVmCuPhgk&t=2s