Cancer Society calls for people to get symptoms checked

The Irish Cancer Society is urging people to make it their New Year's resolution to get any worrying signs or symptoms of cancer checked out.

This follows a successful year for the charity’s Your Health Matters roadshow, which visited 26 locations and engaged with over 27,300 people about the signs and symptoms of cancer. across the country in 2024.

The Your Health Matters roadshow initiative offers free health checks from Cancer Nurses in communities across Ireland. Over 1,950 health consultations took place at the roadshows, and the Irish Cancer Society’s Cancer Nurses and volunteers are looking forward to getting out on the road again in 2025 and engaging with even more members of the public

Kevin O’Hagan, the Irish Cancer Society’s Cancer Prevention Manager, said the roadshows play an important role in the early detection of cancer, and he urged the public to seek medical advice if they notice any worrying changes in their body.

“We were delighted to be able to bring our Your Health Matters roadshow to 26 locations nationwide in 2024 with over 27,300 people engaging with our nurses, and we are looking forward to continuing to bring the roadshow to communities across the country in 2025. The roadshows are an important tool for helping with the early detection of cancer.

“People attending the roadshows had a wide range of concerns ranging from risks of cancer, diagnosis, treatment and support after treatment. Feedback from the nurses at the roadshows indicated that 70% of people who attended were concerned about signs and symptoms of cancer, and 14% had a family member or loved one with cancer.

“Many people reported that they had not been to their GP for some time. For 16%, it was more than a year since they last saw their GP, 40% up to a year, and 3% did not have a GP, so they were very grateful for the opportunity to speak with a Cancer Nurse. “We are urging people with any worrying symptoms to go to their GP and get them checked out. If you’ve noticed any unexplained weight loss, a new lump or a persistent cough, make it your New Year’s resolution to get it addressed and find out what’s causing it.

“We know that the early detection of cancer is vital and saves lives, and healthcare services are there for you and will help you to uncover what is causing your symptoms.

“Screening programmes like BreastCheck, CervicalCheck, and BowelScreen are another valuable tool that help to pick up cancer early in people who may be showing no other symptoms, so it is vital that those who are eligible attend for screening when they are invited.”