Chesterfield traders raise voice in support of ‘Be Cancer Safe’ campaign

Big-hearted Chesterfield traders raised their voices in support of a new campaign to raise awareness of cancer symptoms and screening.

‘Be Cancer Safe’ is a community approach to improving cancer survival in South Yorkshire, Bassetlaw and North Derbyshire.

Hannah Sharpe, Chesterfield’s ‘Be Cancer Safe’ Project Worker, explains:-

“The aim of the ‘Be Cancer Safe’ campaign is to get as many people as possible talking about signs, symptoms and screening.  Experts say that one in two of us will have cancer during our lifetime, but the good news is that the earlier a cancer is diagnosed the higher the likelihood of successful treatment and survival.

“Our job is to spread this message to as many people as possible, particularly in areas and amongst population groups where take-up of screening is low.”

Mick Watson of The Crown and Cushion and Kurt Russell from Crawshaws Butchers, on a recent busy market day, swapped their usual sales banter for messages of support for the campaign.  Shouts of “Be safe, don’t be sorry,” and “Don’t be a chancer when it comes to cancer,” rang out across the market place, encouraging shoppers to visit Hannah’s stall where she gave away information cards describing symptoms of the five most common cancers.

Mick said:-

“Me and Kurt usually compete for attention when we’re trading, being loud comes naturally to us. We were pleased to help; these messages affect so many people. I’ve taken leaflets for the pub to help my customers too.”

Launched in April, the campaign has already provided information about early cancer symptoms to hundreds of people across North Derbyshire, with over 400 pledging to pass those messages on to friends and family.

North Derbyshire’s ‘Be Cancer Safe’ team is based at Derbyshire Voluntary Action’s offices in Chesterfield.  They are looking for opportunities to visit businesses, community groups and organisations across the area to offer information sessions.