THE RESIDENTS of Worcestershire are being urged to find out more about the risks and signs of developing cancers in the abdomen by visiting the Public Health England (PHE) Be Clear on Cancer roadshow while it is in the county this week.

Around 3,400 people in Worcestershire and 1,130 people from Herefordshire are diagnosed with cancer each year. Cancer claims the lives of 1,560 people in Worcestershire and 530 people in Herefordshire each year.

In the West Midlands as a whole there are around 30,500 people diagnosed with cancer each year and about 14,400 people die of the disease annually.

Figures from PHE West Midlands show:

• On average in Worcester city 506 people (262 men and 244 women) are diagnosed with cancer each year and 228 people (119 men and 109 women) die from the disease each year.

• In Wychavon 759 people (398 men and 361 women) are diagnosed with cancer and 346 people (184 men and 162 women) die each year.

• In Malvern Hills 532 people (278 men and 254 women) are diagnosed with cancer each year while 238 people (126 men and 112 women) die from cancer.

The roadshow is at the Riverside Shopping Centre in Evesham today (Monday February 27) and tomorrow (Tuesday February 28) from 9am to 5.30am. It then moves to the Kingfisher Shopping Centre in Redditch on Wednesday March 1 and Thursday March 2 from 9am to 5.30pm.

The events are part of a wider campaign that has been launched by Public Health England across the West and East Midlands and encourages anyone suffering from symptoms such as persistent diarrhoea, bloating or discomfort in the tummy area, to see their doctor. These problems can be a sign of a number of different cancers, such as bowel, ovarian or pancreatic.

At the roadshow events, campaign information leaflets will be distributed and a nurse will be on hand to talk to anyone who has any questions.

Around nine in 10 cases of cancer are diagnosed in people aged 50 or over and the earlier it is diagnosed, the greater the chances of survival.

Raising awareness is crucial, as a recent survey in the Midlands shows that only one in six (16 per cent) over 50s would see their GP if they felt bloated for more than three weeks and only one in four (24 per cent) would go to the GP if they had experienced discomfort in the tummy area for over three weeks.

The survey also found many people are concerned that they would be wasting their GP’s time if they went to see them about such problems. The Be Clear On Cancer roadshow team will encourage people who may be experiencing persistent tummy troubles to see their GP and explain that their doctor will want to see them.

Dr Lola Abudu, director of Health and Wellbeing for PHE West Midlands, said: “The roadshow touring the West Midlands will raise awareness that tummy troubles such as diarrhoea, bloating or discomfort that have lasted for three weeks or more could be a sign of cancer. It’s a great opportunity for residents to get information from the team as it’s important to know about these symptoms and to see your GP if you have any of them. You’re not wasting anyone’s time by getting symptoms checked out. It’s probably nothing serious, but if it is cancer, finding it early makes it more treatable.”

The campaign is being supported by a number of celebrities with close links to the West Midlands including comedian Frank Skinner, actor Nitin Ganatra, TV presenter Julia Bradbury and former professional footballer Emile Heskey who grew up in the Midlands.

Julia Bradbury said: “I’m glad this campaign is launching in the area. Both my mother and father have had cancer and while every cancer is different and people will experience varying symptoms, education on the possible signs is crucial so that you know when to seek medical help.”