Top ref urges Lambeth to give cancer the red card

The South East London Cancer Network and NHS Lambeth have launched a striking new campaign to raise awareness of the symptoms of mouth and throat cancers.

In the wake of the World Cup, the campaign has a football theme and has been designed with the help of local residents to urge men to 'give cancer the red card'.
 
Any men (or women) experiencing a sore throat, hoarse voice or mouth ulcers for longer than 3-4 weeks are advised to get this checked with your GP.

Mark Halsey, a top referee who recently returned to his job after his own battle with cancer, says:  “The earlier you catch mouth and throat cancers the better your chances are - I was lucky that mine was caught in the nick of time, and I’d encourage people to talk to their doctor”.

In South East London, the one year survival rate for men diagnosed with mouth and upper throat cancer is most likely down to people visiting their GP's too late. 

Men are also almost twice as likely as women to be treated for mouth and throat cancer, particularly between the ages of 40-65.

Alastair Whitington, Director of the South East London Cancer Network, says:
“Residents are delaying visiting their doctor, often due to being scared or worried about what the doctor might find, but this just means people are more likely to die quickly of their cancer. We want to reassure people that treatment for mouth and throat cancers is most successful if diagnosed and treated early, so there is no reason to delay seeking advice”.

Keep an eye out for campaign posters and flyers which will be appearing across Lambeth.

For more information you can drop into your doctor, dentist, or local pharmacy. You can also visit the Macmillan website for help and information.

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