Thousands of women will take part in Race for Life events across the North-East this summer to help fight cancer. Audrey Barton reports.

A MOTHER whose life was saved thanks to a visit to her GP is urging people to show their support for a cancer awareness campaign this summer.

Pamela Henderson, 54, from Dunston, in Gateshead, knows the importance of early diagnosis after her cancer was caught days before it would have spread.

Pamela, who is married to Terry, 53, and has a 29-year-old daughter and three granddaughters, is backing the Be Clear on Cancer campaign and is urging people to act quickly if they feel something isn’t right and tell their GP.

She says: “If you notice that something is not quite right with your body then tell your GP, no matter how small your concern. It could save your life.”

During the next few weeks, Be Clear on Cancer teams will spread the word about the campaign while thousands of women take part in Race for Life events.

The aim is to help more men and women spot the symptoms of cancer earlier, and focuses on the three most common cancers in the UK – breast, bowel and lung cancer.

As well as raising awareness of the symptoms, the NHS campaign aims to increase understanding that finding cancer early makes it more treatable.

Men and women will have a chance to find out more about the campaign at Tesco and Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life events across the region this summer.

The first event was in Gateshead at the weekend.

The next is in Sunderland, on Sunday.

Be Clear on Cancer teams will meet race participants, their families and supporters to give them information about the campaign.

Roy McLachlan, director of the NHS North of England Cancer Network, says: “We are really delighted to be working with Race for Life, which attracted over 31,000 women to events in the North-East and Cumbria last year.

“We are urging families and supporters of people taking part in the Race for Life events to come and cheer on their loved ones and take the opportunity to find out more about Be Clear on Cancer.”

Race for Life is the UK’s largest women-only fundraising series of events and thousands of women across the region are expected to walk, jog or run five or ten kilometres to help raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Research has shown that, while the majority of people have been touched by cancer through family and friends, worryingly, many are unaware of the symptoms of the disease and may be too frightened to make an appointment with their GP if something appears to be wrong.

Nonnie Crawford, director of public health for the NHS North of England Cancer Network, says: “We want people to become much more aware of symptoms of the main cancers.

If people notice any unusual change, it’s important for them to see their doctor.”

Paul Wadsworth, Cancer Research UK spokesman for the North-East, says: “We’ve made great progress against cancer, with survival rates doubling over the past 40 years. But we often diagnose cancer late in this country, so we welcome this campaign to raise awareness of the signs of key cancers and to encourage people to seek help if they notice unusual changes.”

When travel agent Pamela Henderson noticed her stomach was getting bigger, she put it down to middle-aged spread. But she knew something was wrong when the left side of her tummy felt uncomfortable as she pressed against her desk at work.

She initially put off going to the doctor as she thought she would look silly, but decided to make an appointment to be on the safe side.

That decision potentially saved her life, as she was diagnosed with a cancerous cyst on her ovary which began to erupt – luckily into her ovary, rather than outside it, which would have meant the cancer had spread.

“I thank God that I went to my GP when I did, as unbeknown to me, the cyst had already started to erupt,” says Pamela. “If I had left it even a few more days it would have been so much worse.

“I had initially put off going to my doctor as I didn’t want to look daft. But it is the best thing I ever did and has meant my cancer was completely treatable.”

She says: “I think your family and loved ones also have a part to play in encouraging a family member or friend to make that doctor’s appointment.”

Pamela was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in July last year and had surgery to remove the cyst at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, in Gateshead. She had her first check-up in February and her cancer count has returned to normal.

“I have just gone back to work, which feels great,” she says.

• If you have a story to tell about how you have been touched by cancer, or if you would like to compete in any of the events in a Be Clear on Cancer T-shirt, email the North of England Cancer Network on necn@sotw.nhs.uk with your name and contact details.

Race for Life events in the North-East

Sunday, Herrington Country Park, Sunderland, 11am.
Friday, May 27, Ormesby Hall, Middlesbrough, 7.30pm.
Saturday, May 28, Ormesby Hall, Middlesbrough, 10.30am.
Sunday, May 29, Ormesby Hall, Middlesbrough, 10.30am.
Sunday, June 5, Hartlepool Promenade, Hartlepool, 11am.
Sunday, June 5, Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, 2.30pm.
Sunday, June 12, South Park, Darlington, 11am.
Sunday, June 19, Knavesmire, York, 2.30pm.
Sunday, July 3, Aykley Heads Sports Centre, Durham, 11am and 2pm.
Sunday, July 10, Newcastle Exhibition Park and Town Moor, 9.30am.