Cancer can be prevented too

PEOPLE in Leicester are being encouraged to take small steps now to prevent cancer in the future.  NHS Leicester City is supporting national World Cancer Day on Tuesday February 2, which is also backed by cancer charities Cancer Research UK and Macmillan Cancer Support. The awareness day aims to highlight simple measures to help prevent cancer.

One in three people in Leicester will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives, yet just a few simple lifestyle changes could reduce their risk.

Dr Sue Ellerby, consultant in public health at NHS Leicester City, said: “Cancer does not discriminate, it can affect us all. You can reduce your risk of cancer by not smoking, being physically active and maintaining a healthy body weight. A healthy diet and drinking alcohol in moderation can also help to reduce your risk of developing cancer.”

NHS Leicester City supports the local Let’s Talk cancer group which is made up of 24 volunteers from Braunstone and New Parks who give up their time to support families in the local area who have been affected by cancer. All of the volunteers have personal experience of the disease.

The group attend a variety of activities and events, to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancer. This includes visiting community projects and talking to people door to door. The group have currently spoken to over 1,500 people in New Parks and Braunstone.
Dawn Cropper, 39, from Braunstone attends the Let’s Talk cancer project every Thursday and is in the middle of chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer, she said: “I know first-hand the traumatic effect cancer has on families. It’s increasingly important that people keep as healthy and fit as possible to help prevent cancer. If you notice any changes, it doesn’t matter how insignificant, contact your GP immediately.”

If you need more information or you are worried you may have symptoms of cancer please contact your GP as soon as possible. For more information on cancer log onto www.nhs.uk

For interviews or more information please contact: press officer Liz Mattock on 0116 295 4123 or liz.mattock@leicestercity.nhs.uk