FREE cancer advice and support is coming to Gloucestershire. 

Macmillan Cancer Support's mobile service will be visiting the country between Monday, August 14 to Thursday 17.

The team encourages anyone with worries relating to cancer to stop by, whether you’re living with cancer, or care for someone who is.

The team will also be providing specialist advice and information about sun safety and skin cancer - though the team will be unable to perform skin checks.

The visits are as follows:

  • Monday 14 August, 10am to 4pm - Gloucester, by HSBC, Westgate Street, GL1 2AP
  • Tuesday 15 August, 10am to 4pm - Cinderford, Co-op, Dockham Road, GL14 2LY
  • Wednesday 16 August, 10am to 4pm - Coleford, The Clock Tower, Market Place, GL16 8AF
  • Thursday 17 August, 9am to 3pm - Cheltenham , Promenade by Cavendish House, GL50 1LY

The number of people developing melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer, is continuing to rise, with around 110,330 people living with malignant melanoma in the UK, and 13,500 people diagnosed every year, (around 37 people every day).

Elaine Perry, a Macmillan Information and Support Specialist on the unit, said: “Skin cancer, if caught early, is very treatable and actually has one of the highest survival rates of all cancers.

"Being sun aware is key. Our advice is to avoid sun beds, wear a high SPF sun screen with a four-star rating or more so it will block out UVA as well as UVB rays, and cover up in the sun.

“We’re also there for anyone else with any worries or concerns, no matter what type of cancer.

"Whether you’ve just been diagnosed, are going through treatment or are living beyond cancer, feel free to pay us a visit – and we welcome carers, family members and loved ones as well.

"We can provide information on a range of issues, including different treatments, financial advice, exercise, getting back to work, or what local services might be on offer for you. You can even just stop by for a chat, no appointment needed.”

To help keep you safe in the sun, the British Association of Dermatologists advises following these top sun protection tips below: 

  • Spend time in the shade during the sunniest part of the day, usually between 11am and 3pm
  • Avoid direct sun exposure for babies and very young children.
  • Keeping yourself well covered, with a hat, T-shirt, and sunglasses can give you additional protection.
  • Apply sunscreen liberally to exposed skin. Re-apply every two hours and straight after swimming or towelling.

For more information, go to: www.macmillan.org.uk/aboutus/contactus/mobileinformationcentrelocations.aspx

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 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm).