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Campaign warns Bolton residents: ‘Don’t be a cancer chancer’

16 May 2011

NHS Bolton has launched a new campaign to raise awareness about cancer.

The ‘Don’t be a cancer chancer’ campaign warns people about the signs of cancer and encourages them to visit their doctor as quickly as possible if they spot any of the symptoms.

It is estimated that about 500 people’s lives could be saved across Greater Manchester and Cheshire every year if cancer was detected and treated earlier.

The campaign focuses on the three most prolific cancers, which are lung, breast and bowel. About 600 people in Bolton die from cancer each year, it is estimated that 50-60% of these cancers are located in the lung, breast or bowel.

The local launch of ‘Don’t be a cancer chancer’, which is a Greater Manchester and Cheshire-wide campaign, took place on Friday (13/5) in Victoria Square, Bolton.

At the launch, local cancer champions and a bowel cancer specialist nurse were on hand to give people information and advice about cancer symptoms.

Jan Hutchinson, Greater Manchester Director of Public Health, said: “This is a really important campaign. Cancer incidence and mortality rates are higher in the Greater Manchester area than in England overall.

 “There are a number of reasons why people do not visit their doctor when they first spot symptoms. Fear plays a big part in this and often people worry about wasting their doctor’s time.

“This campaign reminds people that their doctor’s door is always open and that seeing your GP early really could save your life.”