A NATIONAL tour highlighting the role that early diagnosis can have on improving cancer survival visited Ayrshire last week.

The Detect Cancer Early ‘Survivors’ tour is focused on encouraging people to act if they have a potential sign or symptom.

The tour comes as research shows that although there is almost universal agreement that spotting cancer early improves your chances of survival, over 28 per cent of Scots said the thought of cancer puts them off checking.

Similarly, 28 per cent said that they might put off seeing their GP about a potential sign of cancer for fear of what they might be told.

The Scottish Government’s campaign has been designed to help tackle the fear that people have of the disease, which can often delay them visiting their GP practice or attending screening, by reinforcing the link between early detection and cancer survival.

Dr Joy Tomlinson, Interim Director of Public Health for NHS Ayrshire & Arran, said: “More people are now surviving cancer.

“We want to make sure everyone knows that by going to their GP at an early stage, they can get treated quickly.

“If you have any concerns about any changes to your body, its best to make an appointment with your GP and get checked.

“Our national screening programmes are set up to check for some of the early signs of bowel, breast and cervical cancers.

“Taking part in cancer screening can save your life.”