Cancer information and support is coming to Merseyside between Monday 23 and Thursday 26 October, courtesy of Macmillan Cancer Support’s mobile service.

The Macmillan “Basil” bus with the North West team of cancer information specialists onboard will be stopping off in Merseyside to answer questions, give advice and inform people about local cancer services and support. The service is open to anyone, no matter what your concern - whether you’re living with or beyond cancer, or are a loved one or carer for someone who is.

Details of the visits:
Monday 23 October
Southport, Chapel Street (Outside Café Nero), PR8 1AR
9.30am to 3.30pm

Tuesday 24 October
Formby, Waitrose, Three Tuns Lane, L37 4AJ
9am to 12pm

Tuesday 24 October
Crosby, Outside Boots, Moor Lane, Crosby Village, L23 5DF
1.15pm to 4.30pm

Wednesday 25 October
St Helens, Church Square (Outside Clintons Cards), WA10 1BD
10am to 4pm

Thursday 26 October
Birkenhead, Catherine Street (Opposite ASDA), CH41 6HW
10am to 4pm

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Macmillan Cancer Support is encouraging people to be aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in the UK, with more than 54,000 cases reported every year. It is more common in women over 50 and almost half of cases develop in women aged 65 and over. Men can also get breast cancer, but this is rare.

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

See your doctor if you have any of these symptoms:
a lump in the breast
a change in the size or shape of the breast
dimpling of the skin or thickening in the breast tissue
a nipple that’s turned in (inverted)
a rash (like eczema) on the nipple
discharge from the nipple
swelling or a lump in the armpit.

Debbie added: “Most breast changes are not caused by cancer but if you do notice anything that isn’t normal for you, see your doctor. If you do have cancer, the sooner it’s found, the more likely it is to be successfully treated.”

If you need support or just want someone to talk to about breast cancer, 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

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). You can find out about Macmillan services near you at http://www.macmillan.org.uk/in-your-...-location.html