IT’S often easy to push a problem to the cosy confinements of the back of our minds. Yet sometimes, a problem shared is a problem halved. And sharing it can sometimes save your life, where cancer is concerned.
"It’s really important that we all get to know our bodies and get any unusual or persistent changes checked out."
A light-hearted two minute film launched by YouGov for Cancer Research UK and Tesco is aiming to raise awareness about the importance of talking to your GP about any unusual or persistent changes to your body. And for once, it’s a cancer advert that’s left us smiling.
There may now be a week of the year dedicated to every type of cancer, with one in three of us being directly affected by the disease, but it’s important the awareness is kept up with all year round. Watch the video below:
Just under half of people say talking to a friend or relative about a change to their body that was playing on their mind, encouraged them to make an appointment with their GP, according to a new survey from Cancer Research UK. Proof that a friendly nudge in the right direction is all that’s needed to take action.
Of these, men were most likely to be given a push by their other halves with 72 per cent saying their partner urged them to go whereas just over half, 58 per cent, of women said the same. Oh, the wise words of the female species, eh.
They often say ‘mum knows best’ and nearly a third of those asked said it was their mothers who prompted them to make an appointment.
Dr Chris Steele from ITV’s This Morning is backing the video campaign and said:
“As a cancer survivor myself I know how daunting it can feel to take that first step and visit a GP when there’s something that’s been playing on your mind. Often talking to someone close to you about it first can give you a much needed prompt to take action.
Dr Chris Steele“It’s really important that we all get to know our bodies and get any unusual or persistent changes checked out. The chances are it won’t be cancer, but if it is, getting it diagnosed and treated at an early stage can make a real difference.”
As well as running an in-store awareness campaign, making Cancer Research UK leaflets about spotting cancer early accessible to millions of customers, Tesco is aiming to raise £10million this year to fund 32 early diagnosis research projects across the UK.
Dr Claire Knight, health information manager at Cancer Research UK said:
“Sometimes we need a bit of a nudge to make an appointment with a GP about any unusual or persistent changes to our bodies. And as our survey shows men in particular tend to speak to their other halves first before seeing their doctor.
“Cancer is most common in the over 50s, but men and women of all ages who notice a change that’s hung around for a few weeks should get it checked out by a doctor. More than likely it won’t be anything to worry about but if it is cancer, spotting it in its earlier stages often makes treatment more successful, meaning the chances of recovering are much better.”
For more information, visit www.cruk.co.uk/spotcancerearly
