West Lothian shoppers can pick up tips on spotting cancer early

People in West Lothian can get free tips from nurses at a health roadshow on how to reduce their risk of cancer and spot it early.

Cancer Research UK nurses Jess Cuddy and Laura Conaghan will be visiting Livingston Designer Outlet at Almondvale Avenue on Wednesday, May 8, between 10am and 4pm and everyone is welcome to attend.

They’ll be returning to the same venue on June 5, July 11, August 21, September 18, October 16, November 13 and December 10.

Every year around 34,600 people are diagnosed with cancer in Scotland.

From proving the link between smoking and cancer, to the development of cancer drugs and community initiatives like the Cancer Awareness Roadshow, Cancer Research UK’s work into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer has helped save millions of lives.

Cancer Research UK senior cancer awareness nurse in Scotland, Jess Cuddy said: “We’re here to help in areas that need us most and we are looking forward to talking to lots of people across West Lothian about the steps they can take to help reduce their risk of cancer.

“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. It’s vital that people seek help for any unusual signs or symptoms.

“By returning to Livingston across the year 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.”

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. It’s important to get any health concerns checked out promptly.

Visitors coming along to the roadshow can speak with the nurses anytime, without needing an appointment.

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.

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.

CRUK nurse Jess Cuddy said: “If you smoke, stopping is the best thing you can do for your health.

“You’re more likely to quit smoking for good with help from your local free stop smoking service, together with stop smoking treatment.

“You can contact Quit Your Way Scotland free on 0800 84 84 84 to find out what will work for you.”

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.

Ronan Keating said: “Just like many families we know first-hand the impact of losing a loved one to cancer.

“We wanted to do something positive to help people understand more about cancer and the small changes they can make to reduce the risk of 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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