Press release
Shoppers queue up for lifesaving advice
Visitors to Bury Market have been queuing up for lifesaving advice on cancer whilst doing a spot of shopping.
Staff from NHS Bury, along with local volunteers, have taken up a pitch on Bury market to offer shoppers advice and information about the early signs and symptoms of cancer.
The initiative, which is supported by Bury Market’s Management team who provided the pitch at no cost, and Bury Football Club, kicked off on Friday 7th September.
The initiative forms part of NHS Bury’s Community Action to Promote Early Detection of cancer (CAPED) project.
The CAPED team, with support from a number of community volunteers – local people who want to make a difference in their local communities, will be on hand at the market every few weeks offering advice and information about the early signs and symptoms of a range of cancers.
They will be encouraging people to participate in the breast, cervical and bowel cancer screening programmes; highlighting how a healthy lifestyle reduces the risk of developing some cancers, and urging people to see their GP if they notice any changes that concern them.
Bury Market and Bury Football Club are just some of the local organisations who are jumping on board to help deliver these important messages across the town.
Claire Rogers, CAPED project lead for NHS Bury said: “We had a great turn out at our first event on Friday, it was a fantastic opportunity to get into the heart of the community on a bustling market day to talk to local people and offer information that they could take away with them.”
“With 1 in 3 of us being affected by cancer at some point in our lives, it is so important that we know what is normal for us with our own bodies, and to seek advice if we notice any changes that we are concerned about.”
“Many people are understandably fearful of talking about cancer or simply do not know the early signs, but by offering a service like this, we can provide information and support to the people of Bury when they need it, out in the community whilst doing their shopping!”
Ryan Bartlett aged 24 is supporting NHS Bury’s campaign during Blue September – a campaign which aims to raise awareness of male cancer. Ryan discovered he had testicular cancer earlier this year aged 24. Following cancer treatment, he is now in remission and keen to raise awareness about the topic amongst men. Ryan, a Physiotherapist, has set up a charity ‘Lease of Life’, to provide access to sport and exercise for anyone suffering or recovering from cancer.
Ryan said: “Many men don’t realise that testicular cancer usually affects younger men, I’m living proof of that. I was only 24 when I was diagnosed. It can affect any man. I’d urge men to check themselves regularly. The most common symptom of testicular cancer is a painless lump or swelling in the testicles. If you have a lump or swelling, don’t panic, it’s most probably not a sign of cancer, but it should never be ignored. Go to your GP as soon as possible to get it checked out. Testicular cancer is one of the most treatable types of cancer with over 95% of men with early stage cancer being completely cured.”
Ends
Date: 11th September 2012
Notes to Editor:
During the month of September, the CAPED team will be focusing on male cancers (testicular and prostate) to link in with ‘Blue September’, and also the current national bowel cancer campaign. Future events will focus on current national and local campaigns and messages relating to a range of cancers.
The team will be available at Bury Market, from 10am until 1pm on the following dates:
- 28th September
- 10th October
- 27th October
- 14th November
- 30th November
- 8th December
- More dates to follow…
For further information please contact the CAPED team on 0161 253 6819.
For press & media enquiries: Caroline Dearden, Corporate Communications Manager on 0161 762 3106 or email bur-pct.communications@nhs.net