Be Clear on Cancer

Dr Chris Duffy, Clinical Chair of NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Clinical Commissioning Group

Rochdale residents are being urged to focus on four signs of cancer as part of an NHS awareness campaign to highlight key cancer symptoms and encourage early detection.

Almost 500 people died of cancer in Rochdale Borough in 2011 and around 7,800 die from cancer each year in Greater Manchester and Cheshire.

With more than 200 different types of cancer, health experts have highlighted four key symptoms using the strapline ‘Know 4 Sure’, and are urging local residents to see their doctor if they notice any of these signs:

• Unexplained blood that doesn’t come from an obvious injury
• An unexplained lump
• Unexplained weight loss which feels significant to you
• Any type of unexplained pain that doesn’t go away

Dr Chris Duffy, local Heywood GP and Clinical Chair of NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Clinical Commissioning Group (NHS HMR CCG), said: “It’s incredibly important for people to be aware of the key signs of cancer – the earlier it’s detected, the sooner treatment can begin and the better the chances of survival.”

The ‘Know 4 Sure’ campaign highlighting the four key symptoms is part of the NHS’s ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ programme being promoted nationally to urge those with any of the four symptoms to visit their doctor.

Added Dr Duffy: “If you’ve noticed bleeding, a lump, weight loss or pain which can’t be explained, make an appointment to see your doctor. It may be nothing serious, but it is better to have it checked early to be sure. The message is clear – tell your GP if you notice any of the four signs.”