ROADSHOWS aiming to raise public awareness of the benefits of detecting cancer in its early stages will take place in the Borders in the coming week.
The events, part of a £30million drive by the Scottish Government to improve cancer survival rates, will take place at the following venues from 9am till 5pm:
Saturday, March 24 – Tesco, Dovecot Road, Peebles; Monday and Tuesday, March 26 and 27 – Teviotdale Leisure Centre, Hawick; Wednesday and Thursday, March 28 and 29 – Tesco, Paton Street, Galashiels.
The first phase of the awareness campaign will focus on the three most common cancers in Scotland – breast, lung and bowel cancer and aims to save more than 300 lives by 2016.
It will also address people’s fear and lack of knowledge about the prospects of survival from cancer, as well as tackling their apprehension to approach their doctor.
“The Detect Cancer Early tour will offer help and advice to people in the Borders on how to spot the signs and symptoms of cancer,” said Dr Tim Patterson, consultant in public health for NHS Borders. “Roadshow staff will be available to provide passersby with advice and information on cancer and screening programmes.
“There is no doubt that early detection is crucial to improving cancer survival rates and our GPs in the Borders want to hear from anyone who has symptoms that they think could be cancer. We would also urge Borderers to participate in screening programmes if they are eligible.
“If you have any questions or would like to know more about how you can spot the early signs of cancer then go along to the Detect Cancer Early roadshows.”
For more information on the Detect Cancer Early campaign visit www.nhsinform.co.uk