Cancer awareness roadshow heading for Falkirk shopping centre

The event – temporarily paused in spring due to the Covid-19 pandemic – returns to The Howgate shopping centre on Wednesday, August 26 from 10am until 4pm.

Organisers Cancer Research UK will bring the roadshow back to the same venue on September 9, October 7, October 21, November 4, November 18 and December 2.

New social distancing and hygiene safety measures have been introduced to protect staff and the public.

The nurses will offer useful suggestions on everything from stopping smoking and cutting back on alcohol to the advantages of a healthy balanced diet and attending screening appointments.

Around 32,200 people are diagnosed with cancer each year in Scotland but detecting the disease at an earlier stage means treatment is more likely to be successful.

Christine Campbell, Cancer Research UK senior cancer awareness nurse in Scotland, said: “We are looking forward to talking to lots of people from Falkirk about the steps they can take to help reduce their risk of cancer 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. It is also vital that people continue to seek help for symptoms that could be a sign of cancer.

“When it’s spotted early, treatment for cancer is more likely to be effective. At a time when the world feels very unusual for many of us, there is one thing that hasn’t stopped, and that’s cancer.

“It’s important to know your body and to tell your doctor if you notice a change which isn’t normal for you. With Covid-19 having caused disruption to cancer services across the UK, including delays to screening and diagnosis, this work is more important than ever.”

No appointment is needed to chat to a Cancer Research UK nurse at the roadshow about health concerns.

Nurses are also keen to draw attention to advice on staying safe in the sun this summer.

Christine added: “Whatever your age, the best way to enjoy the sun safely and protect your skin from sunburn is to use a combination of shade, clothing and sunscreen.

“The sun can be strong enough to burn from early April to late September in the UK. When you’re out enjoying the weather, sit under a tree with lots of leaves or a parasol instead of under the direct sun.

“Spending time in the shade when the sun is at its strongest, between 11am and 3pm in the UK, is a great way of protecting your skin.

“Try loose long-sleeved tops instead of sleeveless ones. The more skin that’s covered by your clothing, the better protection you’re getting.

“Add sunglasses and a hat to complete your look. Wide brimmed hats offer protection for the neck and ears as well as the front of the face. And don’t forget to apply sunscreen to the bits you can’t cover. Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and a four or five-star rating.”

Last year more than 60,000 people visited one of Cancer Research UK’s four cancer awareness roadshows.

The roadshow is part of Cancer Research UK’s continued programme to make health information as accessible as possible to the public and was launched in 2006.

To find out more about how to reduce the risk of cancer and detect it early, click here.

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