These new patient resources were launched by the Mayor of Derry, Brenda Stevenson, at an event at the Old Library Trust Healthy Living Centre, Central Drive, Derry/Londonderry. The patient information leaflets and posters are available for download at: http://www.hscbusiness.hscni.net/services/2626.htm . Alternatively contact Donncha O’Carolan, Regional Lead for Dental Public Health (HSCB) by e-mail: donncha.o’carolan@hscni.net
The event was aimed at raising awareness of mouth cancer and included the provision of free oral cancer screening examinations delivered by a team of specialist oral surgeons at the dental suite located at the Old Library Trust Healthy Living Centre. In addition to the oral health checks Cancer Focus NI brought two of their ‘Keeping Well’ vans to the city. Local residents participated in the free oral health checks, general health checks and the one-to-one cancer awareness sessions on offer throughout the day.
Other services provided on the day included information from the ‘Drink Think’ initiative who advise on responsible thinking around sensible drinking; smoking cessation advice from local pharmacist Killian Johnston of Sweeny’s Pharmacy and the Safe Well Being Eating Exercise (SWEET) initiative provided useful suggestions on a healthy diet.
Welcoming the event to the city Mayor Stevenson said:
“I am delighted to see so many people here at the Creggan Healthy Living Centre to take advantage of the free advice, oral health checks and general health checks on offer. It is clear from the great turnout here that by bringing health improvement initiatives to the heart of our communities, local people can easily avail of vital services on their doorstep.”
Praising the staff from a wide range of statutory, voluntary and community organisations Gerry McElwee, Head of Cancer Prevention for Cancer Focus NI, said:
“This is the first time we have brought both mobile units to the city, and given the great attendance at our health checks today, I would hope to bring them back again. The ‘Focus on Mouth Cancer’ event has been an excellent platform to launch our new public information materials on Mouth Cancer. Cancer Focus’s mission is to raise awareness of cancer. Like many cancers, the earlier mouth cancer is diagnosed - the better the survival outcome. Events like today highlight that many cancers can be prevented if we make healthy lifestyle choices.”
Michael Donaldson, Head of Dental Services at the Health and Social Care Board stressed the importance of early diagnosis in combating oral cancer:
“By enabling as many people as possible to take up these oral health checks we are highlighting the key role of the dental team in early detection of oral cancer, which ultimately can help save lives.
Closing the launch Donncha O’Carolan, Regional Lead on Dental Public Health, thanked everyone involved:
“‘Focus on Mouth Cancer’ is a joint initiative between the Health and Social Care Board, Public Health Agency, Cancer Focus NI and the Old Library Trust Healthy Living Centre. By joining forces and combining our efforts and resources, we can raise awareness of mouth cancer and make a difference by saving lives through early detection and prevention.”
Siobhan O’Brien, Health and Social Wellbeing Senior Officer at the PHA, said:
“Finding cancer early and getting it treated can really make the difference and greatly improve the likelihood of survival. The Public Health Agency recently launched the ‘Be Cancer Aware’ campaign to highlight how important it is to know what to look out for and to get checked if you notice anything which could point towards cancer. These resources will reinforce this message; we hope that they will inspire confidence across the population to contact their GPs as soon as they have concerns about their physical health and the potential symptoms of cancer.”
The www.becancerawareni.info website provides information about cancer signs and symptoms, explains what to do if you’re concerned, and signposts to recommended sources of support or further information.