People in West Lothian can get free tips from nurses at a health roadshow in Livingston on how to reduce the risk of cancer and spot it early.
Cancer Research UK nurses Christine Campbell and Jess Cuddy will be at Livingston Designer Outlet on Thursday, April 27 between 10am and 4pm.
Everyone is welcome to attend. The nurses will return to the same venue on May 25, June 29, July 27, August 22, September 7, October 2 and November 7.
Every year, around 33,900 people are diagnosed with cancer in Scotland* and one in two people in the UK born after 1960 will get cancer in their lifetime.
Cancer Research UK cancer awareness nurse, Christine Campbell said: “Around four 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 and are looking forward to talking to lots of people in West Lothian about the steps they can take to help reduce their risk of cancer.
“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.
“By returning to Livingston regularly we are able to provide ongoing support, and people we’ve met can come back and let us know how they’re getting on or ask for further help and signposting.”
Since it began in 2006, the Cancer Research UK roadshow has welcomed more than 750,000 visitors across the UK. 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.
With the impact of the covid-19 pandemic still being felt by cancer services across the UK, conversations and support like this are more vital than ever.
Visitors coming along to the roadshow can speak with the nurses anytime, without needing an appointment. From proving the link between smoking and cancer, to the development of cancer drugs and community initiatives like the roadshow, Cancer Research UK’s work into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer has helped save millions of lives.
The nurses receive incredibly positive feedback from the public in 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 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 help with to is support to stop smoking. At the roadshow information is available from the NHS Lothian Quit your Way service.
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 presenter Ronan Keating and his family, in memory of their mum Marie, who died from breast cancer.
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 Scotland Roadshow team on @CRUKRoadshow_SC
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