Don’t be a cancer chancer

The 'cancer chancer' mascot meets young Rochdale fans during the launch event at Spotland Stadium on Saturday.

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‘Catching it early could save your life’ is the message of a new cancer campaign launched by NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale, Rochdale Council and cancer supporters at the weekend.

‘Don’t be a cancer chancer’ is a borough-wide campaign that will raise awareness of the three most common cancers, breast, bowel and lung. The campaign kicked off at Spotland Stadium on Saturday during Rochdale's home game against Darlington.

Research shows that around 500 lives across Greater Manchester could be saved each year if people went to see their doctor early with signs of cancer.

Lung cancer is one of Rochdale's biggest killers, with 134 dying from the disease in 2007. In the same year Bowel cancer claimed 48 lives and 40 women died from breast cancer.

Many people are unaware that a persistent cough, an unusual lump or bleeding from the bottom may be symptoms of cancer. Or people just ignore these symptoms because they are worried it might be something serious and so don’t go to see their GP.

Dr Chris Duffy from Argyle Street Surgery, commented: “Cancer continues to be an increasing problem within Heywood but people are still scared to go and see their GP about it. Breast, bowel and lung cancer can all be treated successfully if they are caught early enough. All too often I see patients coming through the door with symptoms of cancer but either they didn’t know or were too worried to come. A lot of people are embarrassed about it too.

“That’s why a campaign like Cancer Chancer is so important to try and break down the fear surrounding cancer, make more people come forward and educate them about what signs they need to look out for.”

The campaign is based around two characters talking about their health complaints or worries, just as people do in everyday life, and they advise each other to go and see a doctor quickly in case it is a sign of cancer. Billboards, posters, advertisements, leaflets and a range of promotional materials will be plastered all over town to communicate the important message.

Helen Lewis-Parmar, cancer lead for NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale, said: “We already have excellent screening services in place for breast and bowel cancer and our smoking services are highly successful in helping people to quit smoking year on year. However, people still don’t know what signs to look out for when it comes to cancer or simply don’t want to know. We want to try to change that behaviour and make cancer an issue that everyone faces up to.”

Cancer Chancer was first instigated by The Manchester Versus Cancer Alliance, a partnership between The Christie and NHS, Councils and supporters. It is the first of its kind and has proven to be highly successful in other parts of Manchester, Wigan and Oldham.

Dr Duffy added: “No matter what the problem is, please go and see your GP as if it does turn out to be cancer, it might be a move that saves your life.”