Cancer awareness roadshow visits Cumbernauld

Cancer Research UK nurses Darragh Casey and Christine Campbell will be at the Antonine shopping centre, Tryst Road, Cumbernauld on Wednesday May 18 between 10am and 4pm. They’ll return to the same venue on Wednesday June 22, Wednesday July 20, Wednesday August 24 and Wednesday September 21.

Every year around 33,200 people are diagnosed with cancer in Scotland* and one in two people in the UK born after 1960 will get cancer in their lifetime.**

Darragh, Cancer Research UK senior cancer awareness nurse in Scotland, 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 across Scotland 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.

“By returning to the same venue 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. Conversations and support like this are more vital than ever with COVID-19 having caused disruption to cancer services.”

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.

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.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Cancer Research UK. 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 cancer, working in the heart of communities, particularly where the need is greatest.

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.

Cancer Research UK nurse Darragh Casey 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 free Smokeline 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 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 Twitter on @CRUKRoadshow_SC