Cancer Research UK (CRUK) were in Barnsley last week, outside the Asda supermarket, as part of their Cancer Awareness Roadshow. I joined their nurses to help raise awareness about the importance of spotting cancer early.

Currently supported by the Peter Andre Foundation, the Cancer Awareness Roadshow provides information to visitors on the link between lifestyle and cancer, the signs and symptoms of cancer, and the importance of cancer screening.

Visitors can have a private conversation with a nurse, take a BMI test to find out whether their weight is within a healthy range, and pick up useful health information to take away. It was interesting to see how they were able to overcome some of the barriers that prevent people making an appointment and talking to their GP. This particularly seems to be the case with men.

Given that there are 1,306 cancer cases in the Barnsley Central constituency each year, with 662 cancer deaths per year, there is still more to be done to beat cancer. I wholeheartedly support Cancer Research UK’s aim to improve survival through the earlier diagnosis of cancer and greater access to the best treatment possible.

As a Parliamentary Ambassador for the charity, I have raised nearly £10,000 for them by twice running the London Marathon.

Since launching in 2006 Cancer Research UK’s Cancer Awareness Roadshow has seen more than 400,000 visitors in over 200 cities and towns across the UK.

You can find out more about the Cancer Awareness Roadshow and how to detect cancer early here.