The benefits of finding cancer early will be highlighted to shoppers in Stirling on Friday (3 June) as the Detect Cancer Early tour visits The Thistles Shopping Centre.

The tour is focused on raising awareness of the importance of screening and the potential signs and symptoms of breast, bowel and lung cancer.

The awareness drive forms part of the national Detect Cancer Early campaign to encourage more people in Scotland to get checked if they have concerns and save more lives.

Around 1,000 deaths could be avoided each year in Scotland if cancer survival matched the best in Europe. Early detection is key – the earlier cancer is found, the easier it is to treat.

Statistics show that the likelihood of surviving breast cancer is five times higher if detected at an early stage compared to a late stage, 14 times higher for bowel cancer and 20 times higher for lung cancer.

The ‘Don’t Get Scared, Get Checked’ call comes as recent research shows that fear is a key barrier to people presenting with potential signs or symptoms and taking part in screening. This can often result in later stage diagnoses, when the chance of survival is lower.

The roadshow team will be on hand to provide tailored information to visitors at the stand – depending on their age and gender – while encouraging them to act sooner rather than later if they have any worries or concerns about themselves or a loved one.

Dr Graham Foster, NHS Forth Valley Director of Public Health and Strategic Planning, said: “More people are surviving cancer than ever before thanks to earlier detection.  It’s essential people realise that acting sooner rather than later can make all the difference to the chances of survival and, in some cases, even cure.

“It’s important to know your body and what’s normal for you – it will make it easier to spot any changes, whether unusual or persistent.

“If you do spot something, don’t worry, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have cancer. It’s probably nothing to worry about but, either way, it’s best to get checked.”

Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing Shona Robison said:

“Raising awareness of the importance of finding cancer early is vital to increasing survival rates, which is why we’re taking the ‘don’t get scared, get checked’ message out on the road and speaking to communities across Scotland.

“I’d urge anyone who is worried or has a concern to see their GP and take part in screening when invited. The earlier you come forward, the better.  It could save your life.”

For further information, visit www.getcheckedearly.org

For further information contact Consolidated PR on 0131 240 6420 or email scotland@consolidatedpr.com