London's cancer campaign moves to Enfield

After success in the south of London the 'Get to know cancer campaign' moves to Enfield for the opening of the first of the north London shops.

Londoners in Enfield will have the opportunity to 'Get to know cancer' as part of an ongoing campaign to change attitudes to cancer and increase early diagnosis.

The campaign and shop is part of a unique partnership between the Mayor of London , NHS London and London Councils. In addition, the Edmonton shop has received specialist help, advice and support from Enfield Council.

The shop will provide an opportunity for people to ask questions about cancer and air concerns which they might not feel comfortable discussing with family and friends.

Cllr Christine Hamilton, Cabinet Member for Public Health for Enfield Council said "Finding cancer early greatly improves outcomes, and early findings suggest London 's first-ever 'Get to know cancer' pop-up shop in Croydon was successful in raising awareness about cancer amongst local residents. In partnership with Enfield Council this approach is coming to Enfield and I encourage residents to use the shop and get to know cancer.

"Cancer is an issue that will affect an estimated four in ten Londoners at some point in their lives. Although it's more widely known that cancer is easier to beat when it is diagnosed at an early stage, often the fear surrounding that dreaded C word can lead to people avoiding the issue completely. We want to break down the taboo and encourage people to speak out more quickly with any concerns."

In Enfield this will mean a unique 'Get to know cancer' shop in Edmonton Green Shopping Centre will be opening on the 1 February until 3rd March 2013.

Eddy, one of the nurses in the shop said, "We are really pleased to be coming to Edmonton , to be able to talk to shoppers and local people, helping them to find out more about cancer and enabling them to be able to act early if they think that they have symptoms.

"People are really surprised when they hear that cancer survival rates have doubled in 40 years, and when we tell people that it begins to reduce some of the fears people have about cancer".

Some of the faces of the 'Get to know cancer' campaign will be on hand in the store to talk about how their cancer experience and how beating cancer has changed their lives. 

Dr Shahed Ahmad, Director of Public Health for Enfield Council said "Good progress has been made to really improve cancer care in London . However, we know that the earlier cancer is diagnosed, the better the outcome for the patient. This campaign will encourage people to do the single most important thing to beat cancer - speak up about any cancer fears they might have and get help as soon as possible."

Edmonton Green Shopping Centre, South Mall (near to the Post Office and next to HSBC)

1st February till 3rd March 2013

Opening times Monday to Saturday - 10am – 6pm, Sunday 11am – 4pm

Please visit http://www.gettoknowcancer.org/ to find out more about the campaign.