SUPPORT organisations from across Ceredigion will gather at Cardigan Guildhall Market next week to raise awareness about cancer and the importance of early detection.
The event, organised by HAHAV Ceredigion, the county’s volunteer-led hospice-at-home charity, will take place on Thursday (Mar 19) between 10:00am and 3:00pm.
Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about local cancer support services, speak directly with specialists and pick up information about screening programmes which can help detect cancer at an earlier stage.
While one in four people in Wales sadly die from cancer, survival rates have doubled over the past 50 years. Health experts say this improvement is largely due to earlier diagnosis through national screening programmes.
HAHAV Ceredigion’s Living Well Manager, Susie Scott said: “A significant reason for the increase in survival rates is the success of screening programmes. Early detection saves lives and can mean shorter treatment times.
“However, survival rates in rural communities, of which we have many in Ceredigion, are still lower. That means it is even more important that people have access to the right information and support.”
Several organisations will be attending the event alongside HAHAV Ceredigion, including Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Cancer Information Support Service and the Lingen Davies Cancer Champions.
Susie added that a recent grant from the Lingen Davies cancer charity has helped HAHAV deliver important awareness and prevention work across rural communities.
Other groups attending include Cardigan Cancer Care and Knitted Knockers, a charity that creates handmade breast prostheses for women recovering from breast cancer surgery.
Susie said: “Breast cancer screening is a great example of how awareness and early detection can improve survival, with more women now reaching the five and ten-year survival milestones.
“But bowel cancer cases are increasing in people under fifty, and deaths from kidney and liver cancer are also rising. That makes it vital that people know where they can go locally for advice and support.”
Members of the public are encouraged to visit the event to speak with support organisations and learn more about cancer prevention, symptoms and local services.
Photo caption: Susie Scott, HAHAV Ceredigion’s Living Well Manager, with a giant breast model created by Ann Shrosbree of Small World Theatre in Cardigan. The model will also feature in the Lingen Davies ‘Titty Trail’, an 11-mile awareness walk highlighting the signs and symptoms of breast cancer.
