CANCER information and support will be available for visitors to the North Devon Show on Wednesday, August 3, courtesy of Macmillan Cancer Support’s mobile service.

A team of cancer information specialists will be in attendance to answer questions, provide support and inform people about local cancer services. It 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.

Now that summer is here, the team will also be providing specialist advice and information about sun safety and skin cancer (please note the team will be unable to perform skin checks).

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).

It is the fifth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the UK, and slightly more common in women than in men. With all of the varying types combined, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the UK.

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

“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.”

Macmillan’s four mobile information units travel around the UK visiting local communities, providing cancer information and support on the ground. Last year they helped around 74,000 people in over 565 locations across the UK.

For further information about Macmillan’s mobile information service, and future planned visits, go to: http://www.macmillan.org.uk/aboutus/contactus/mobileinformationcentrelocations.aspx .

Alan Quick