THE NATIONAL Health Service has teamed with with Reading Borough Council and GLL leisure company to remind residents to check for signs of cancer in a new campaign.
Stickers informing users of Reading’s leisure centres have been added to mirrors and changing facilities as part of a push to catch signs of cancer early to improve health outcomes.
The initiative will see notices featuring advice added to facilities, including messages such as “Check you out” and “Know what’s normal for you.”
They also feature reminders to check your body for signs of cancer and to contact your GP practise if you find unusual signs or if something doesn’t feel right.
It is part of a larger campaign to treat cancer earlier by the NHS, as more than 50,000 patients began cancer treatment in June this year.
The World Health Organisation explains that the earlier cancer is found in a patient, the better the outcome of healthcare.
A survey by Better, under which GLL operates, found that only 54% of respondents in the South East check their bodies for physical changes at least once a month and 14% don’t check at all.
The survey also found that 22% of respondents from the South East said they are not aware of any potential cancer signs.
However 59% said they would recognise a lump or swelling in a part of their body as a possible early sign of cancer and would seek medical advice.
Professor Peter Johnson, National Clinical Director for Cancer at NHS England, said: “Finding cancer early is key to successful treatment and survival, but this means that we need people who experience symptoms to come forward as soon as they spot them.
“This is why it’s vital that people are aware of their bodies, take notice of a change that isn’t normal for them and get it checked out immediately.
“This partnership with Better means that we’re able to reach more people to remind them to check themselves at a time and a place where they are able to do so. It’s a simple thing that anyone can do, but it really can save your life.”
Craig Woodward, GLL Partnership Manager for the Reading area, said: “Our aim is to improve health and wellbeing in our local community, and we’re delighted to be partnering NHS England in this vital campaign.
“The survey we conducted clearly indicates a need to raise awareness of potential signs of cancer and the mirror stickers will hopefully act as a timely reminder to our customers to check themselves regularly.”
