Cancer information and support is coming to the people of Gloucestershire between Monday 24 October to Wednesday 26 October, courtesy of Macmillan Cancer Support’s mobile service.

A team of cancer information specialists will be stopping off in Gloucestershire 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 visit:

  • Monday 24 October Moreton-in-Marsh, High Street, GL56 0AH 10am to 4pm
  • Tuesday 25 October & Wednesday 26 October Gloucester Docks, Llanthony Road, GL1 2EH 10am to 4pm

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

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the UK. It is more common in women over 50 and one in three breast cancers develops in women over 70. Men can also get breast cancer, but this is rare.

Mary Mountford-Lister, a Macmillan Information and Support Specialist, said: ‘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 or thickening in your breast or armpit.

• A change in the size or shape of your breast.

• A change to your nipple, such as a rash, discharge or the nipple turning in.

• A change to the skin on your breast, such as puckering or dimpling.

• Constant discomfort or pain in your breast.

Mary Mountford-Lister 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.’ Our five mobile information units travel around the UK visiting local communities, providing cancer information and advice on the ground. Last year they helped around 74,000 people in over 565 locations across the UK.

To find out when Macmillan’s mobile information service will visit your town, visit: www.macmillan.org.uk/aboutus/contactus/mobileinformationcentrelocations.aspx If you’re unable to visit the mobile unit but have questions about cancer, visit www.macmillan.org.uk or call the Macmillan Support Line free on 0808 808 00 00 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm).

You can search for Macmillan services near you at www.macmillan.org.uk/in-your-area/choose-location.html