A GRATEFUL cancer survivor who had an early diagnosis thanks to a screening programme has encouraged residents to take part.
The NHS Cancer Bus Tour will embark on the final part of its journey by delivering life-saving information to Rugby, Warwick and Nuneaton next month, following successful tours in Coventry and Warwickshire earlier this year.
David Assheton, who lives in Rugby, was diagnosed with the early stages of lung cancer after attending screening – and is raising awareness of how initiatives like the Cancer Bus Tour can catch cancer early and increase the chances of successful treatment.
He said: “I’d urge anyone to visit the Cancer Bus when it is in their local area. You think it won’t happen to you but it’s good to stay aware of the symptoms of cancer and screening programmes that can find cancers early.
“I had no symptoms and I was as fit as a fiddle, playing international Masters hockey, tennis and being generally active, so it came as a big surprise when I received my lung cancer diagnosis.
“My advice would be to always go for checks when invited. It takes me back to my working life in the motor industry – you keep up with preventative maintenance and services for your car, so why wouldn’t you do the same with your body?”
The Cancer Bus Tour offers cancer screening information and talks with a range of healthcare experts including GPs, Targeted Lung Health Check and Bowel Screening teams, professionals from mental health services, dieticians and more.
Mandeep Kaur, Lung Cancer Screening Nurse at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust, said: “More and more patients are now coming to us displaying no visible cancer symptoms. However, once they have had a CT scan, they are requiring further investigations due to suspected cancer or after we have detected other issues causing concerns.
“The earlier we find cancer, the more efficiently and effectively we can treat it, so we’re encouraging everyone to get all of the checks you’re eligible for when invited.”
Visit https://tinyurl.com/2r5jfand for more information about screening, or www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer for information about cancer symptoms.
The Cancer Bus Tour schedule
Tuesday September 2, 10am-4pm: Griff Hollows Site, Nuneaton
Wednesday September 3, 10am-4pm: CHESS Centre, Nuneaton
Thursday September 4, 9am-12.30pm: Delta Hotels, Warwick
Thursday September 4, 1.30pm-4.30pm: Dunchurch Park Hotel, Rugby
Friday September 5, 10am-4pm: Eliot Fields Retail Park, Rugby
Saturday September 6, 10am-4pm: Asda, Rugby
