Macmillian cancer support brings awareness bus to Mansfield

This summer, cancer charity Macmillan will be raising awareness of sun safety, and encouraging people to be aware of the signs and symptoms of skin cancer.
The big green Macmillan Cancer Support bus BettyThe big green Macmillan Cancer Support bus Betty
The big green Macmillan Cancer Support bus Betty

The big green Macmillan Cancer Support bus ‘Betty’ will be visiting Mansfield on August 13, providing free information and support to people living with cancer in the local area.

There are two main types of skin cancer: non melanoma and melanoma. Around 136,000* cases of non melanoma skin cancer are diagnosed in the UK each year which makes it the most common type of cancer by far. It is unlikely to spread, very treatable and the earlier it is diagnosed the easier it is to treat.

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Caroline Lewis, 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. Know your own body and if you notice any changes get them checked.”

Melanoma is the 5th most common cancer in the UK. Around 15,400 people are diagnosed with melanoma in the UK each year. It is more common in people with fairer or freckly skin. Around 27% of new cases occur in people aged 75 and over. Unlike other cancer types, malignant melanoma also occurs relatively often in people of younger ages.

Most skin cancers are caused by exposure to the sun. This may be long term exposure, or short periods of intense sun exposure and burning. Using sunbeds can also increase your risk.

You should visit your doctor if you have:

a spot or sore that doesn’t heal within 4 weeks

a spot or sore that hurts, is itching, crusty, scabs over, or bleeds for more than 4 weeks

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areas where the skin has broken down (an ulcer) and doesn’t heal within 4 weeks

Moles should also be regularly checked. See your doctor straight away if you have a new mole or skin change. Or you have a mole that:

is changing in size, shape or colour

is not symmetrical

has a border with jagged edges

is more than one colour

is wider than 6mm(about the size of the blunt end of a pencil)

tingles or itches

bleeds or is crusty

Caroline added: “Often people with these symptoms do not have skin cancer. But with the incidence on the increase it is important to be vigilant and aware of your own body and skin so you can notice any changes quickly.”

The visits will be:

Monday 13th August

Mansfield, Jubilee Way South, NG18 3RT

9am – 4pm

Tuesday 14th August

Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Low Moor Road, NG17 2BQ

9am – 4pm

Wednesday 15th August

Hucknall, Ashgate Road, Nottingham, NG15 7UQ

9am – 4pm

Thursday 16th August

Carlton, Carlton Hill, Nottingham, NG4 1EB

9am – 4pm

Friday 17th August

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Netherfield Victoria Retail Park, Colwick Loop Road, Nottingham, NG4 2PE

9am – 4pm

If you need support or just want someone to talk to, call Macmillan Cancer Support free on 0808 808 00 00 or visit macmillan.org.uk

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