The ‘NHS Bus-ting Cancer Tour’ will be visiting Barnsley Markets on Wednesday 8 February, tackling the barriers to people seeking help for cancer symptoms – including the fear of a cancer diagnosis – as well as encouraging awareness of bodily changes that could be a sign of cancer.
The bus will spend the day at Barnsley Markets, opening at 10am and providing expert advice until 4pm. Dedicated staff will be on hand to help make passers-by aware of common cancer signs and symptoms, the importance of earlier diagnosis, and where they can go for support or further advice.
Finding cancer at an early stage means it’s easier to treat. Over 83% of people survive cancer if caught at the earliest stage – but survival rates drop when cancers are caught later.
As highlighted on the bus, 65 out of 78 passengers on the bus would survive cancer if caught at the earliest stage – which shows how important it is to get potential cancer symptoms checked if something in your body doesn’t feel right.
Sarah Norman, Chief Executive at Barnsley Council, discovered a lump in her breast in the summer of 2021. “I noticed a lump whilst I was on holiday.” said Sarah.
“The moment I returned home, I booked a GP appointment and was seen within a couple of days. Soon after I was at the breast clinic where they confirmed I had early stage breast cancer. “
“Within three weeks, the lump in my breast was removed and once I’d healed from the surgery, I began radiotherapy.”
“I was really fortunate to catch it as early as I did. Being aware to the changes in my body, I was able to catch cancer early and start treatment quickly. Catching it early made all the difference.”
Dr David Crichton, Medical Director at NHS South Yorkshire said: “Cancers are more likely to be treated successfully if caught at an early stage and we want people with signs of cancer to come forward as soon as possible. A cancer diagnosis can be scary, but catching cancer early saves lives.”
“Being aware to changes in your body is crucial. If something in your body doesn’t feel right, contact your GP practice. The NHS is here and wants to see you.”
Speak to your GP if there is anything that doesn’t feel right in your body, or that you’re worried about. These are just some of the signs and symptoms of cancer:
- Unexplained pain that lasts three weeks or more
- Tummy trouble, such as discomfort or diarrhoea that lasts for three weeks or more
- A cough for three weeks or more
- Blood in your pee, even just once
- Blood in your poo for three weeks or more
- Unusual, pale or greasy poo
- Unexplained weight loss
- You keep getting heartburn or indigestion
- You keep feeling tired and unwell and are not sure why
- Unexpected or unexplained bleeding
- An unexplained lump
For more possible cancer symptoms visit nhs.uk/cancersymptoms
It’s probably nothing serious, but finding cancer early makes it more treatable. Until you find out, you can’t rule it out.