A HELP service giving free cancer information and support is coming to Whitehaven, on Thursday, April 18.

Macmillan Cancer Support’s Mobile Information and Support Service will be visiting the area, with cancer information specialists on hand to answer any questions.

The team encourages anyone with worries relating to cancer to stop by. They will be at Tesco, on Bransty Row, North Shore, between 9am and 2pm.

With April being Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, Macmillan is encouraging people to be aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease.

Bowel cancer is the UK’s fourth most common cancer. In the UK from 2013 to 2015, on average more than 4 in 10 (44%) of new cases were in people aged 75 and over. However, it is also very treatable and the earlier it is diagnosed the easier it is to treat.

Su Higgins, a Macmillan Information and Support Specialist on the unit, said: “Knowing what changes to look for and when to see your doctor could make a real difference. Don’t be scared or embarrassed and don’t ignore them if you have symptoms. Get them checked.”

Men and women are advised to see their doctor if they have any of these symptoms:

· Bleeding from your bottom.

· Blood in your poo (stools or bowel motions) for three weeks or more.

· Looser poo or diarrhoea that lasts for four weeks or more.

· Pain or a lump in your tummy or back passage.

· Feeling like you haven’t emptied your bowel properly after going to the toilet.

· Losing weight for no obvious reason.

· Feeling more tired than usual for some time.

Su added: “Most people with these symptoms do not have bowel cancer - they can be caused by other things. But don’t try to diagnose yourself, see your doctor. If you do have cancer, the sooner it’s found, the more likely it is to be successfully treated.”

A variety of bowel cancer-related materials are available for free from the team, who can also talk through any queries. Materials are also available for other forms of cancer.

For further information about Macmillan’s mobile information service, and planned visits, go to www.macmillan.org.uk/mobileinfo

If you are unable to visit the unit but have questions about cancer, visit www.macmillan.org.uk or call Macmillan free on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week, 8am to 8pm). You can find out about Macmillan services near you at: www.macmillan.org.uk/inyourarea