Don't be a Cancer Chancer – Catch it early

Recognising the early signs of cancer and going to see your GP could save your life is the message of the 'Don't be a Cancer Chancer' campaign.

The campaign will encourage people to seek medical attention early if they suspect the first signs of lung, breast or bowel cancer - a persistent cough, unusual breast lump or rectal bleeding.

The Manchester Versus Cancer Alliance, led by the Christie Hospital in partnership with Manchester Primary Care Trust, Manchester City Council and supporters will launch their campaign on Tuesday, 11 March 2008 at the Vasa Club, White Moss Road, Off Rochdale Road, Blackley.

The launch will include keynote speeches from Councillor Basil Curley, Executive Member for Adult Services and Dr Sally Bradley, Director of Public Health, Manchester Primary Care Trust and include a showing of a special DVD produced for the campaign.

Councillor Basil Curley, executive member for adult services, said: "The aim of this campaign is to raise public awareness of the early signs of cancer and to encourage people to seek medical advice early. On average, around 200 people die prematurely from cancer in North Manchester each year. Premature death rates from cancer in this part of the City are 47 per cent higher than those in England as a whole. Encouraging people to recognise the early warning signs and go and see their GP really will save lives. We will also continue to provide education and information about healthier lifestyles - giving up smoking is still the single most important thing that people can do to improve their health."

Dr. Sally Bradley, Director of Public Health, Manchester Primary Care Trust said: "This is a very important public health initiative which we hope will raise awareness across North Manchester of the importance of early detection of symptoms that we know could help save hundreds of lives lost to cancer each year. Joining forces with leading local cancer specialists and having the valuable support of local GPs is key in our drive to spread this important message across North Manchester. The message to the public is - don't risk your life, seek advice. Early treatment really does affect survival rates."

The campaign will be rolled out until 28 March, with the support of leading medical specialists and a specially branded 'Cancer Chancer Campaign Trailer' which will visit communities in the following wards - Bradford, Harpurhey, Moston, Ancoats and Clayton, Higher Blackley, Crumpsall, Miles Platting and Newton heath, Cheetham and Charlestown.

People will be encouraged to drop in and chat about any concerns they may have, or to learn more about symptoms they should look out for.

The campaign trailer will be staffed by health professionals and health trainers and will offer people the opportunity to discuss any concerns they may have. No examinations will take place on the vehicle; instead people will be advised to contact their GP.

The campaign trailer will also be handing out 'Don't be a Cancer Chancer bags' that will include campaign branded handypack tissues, sweets, stickers and lots more.

Media contacts:

Juliet Appleby/Vanessa Guttridge, tel: 0161 234 3237