‘This Van Can’ initiative visits Salford to raise awareness for bowel cancer

Salford residents are set to be visited by a new bright blue van which aims to raise awareness for bowel cancer.

The new scheme will be open to local residents to climb on board and learn information about how to spot bowel cancer.

The scheme has been set up by the NHS Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, will be visiting Tesco Irlam, Tesco Salford and Walkden town centre between now and Christmas.

The project will encourage residents to join ‘the bowel movement’, teaching people about bowel cancer screenings, and recognising early symptoms which are more treatable.

Symptoms of bowel cancer could include blood in your poo or bleeding from your bottom, pain or a lump in your tummy, or losing weight without trying.

The van will be in Salford starting from December 12, and will run into separate locations until Thursday 21 December.

Following the vans time in the Salford locations, it will relocate to Trafford and the rest of Greater Manchester in January 2025.

Throughout the project, specially trained ambassadors on the van will teach people about the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer, and when to seek help.

This Van Can ambassadors will be hand on the hand at the roadshow to talk to members of the public on how to complete the easy, at-home screening test – also known as a FIT test.

One ambassador who will be on hand will be Vanessa, from Trafford, was treated for bowel cancer at the Manchester Royal Infirmary in 2005.

She said: “As a bowel cancer patient myself, I understand how even thinking about the possibility of having cancer can be really scary, but please don’t let that stop you getting help.

“If you see the van, please do pop on for a chat.

“We can talk you through what signs and symptoms to look out for, and even the best way to do your at-home screening test when you get one. We’re here to help.”

The scheme will be essential to catching bowel cancer early, as research conducted by Cancer Research UK has shown that around 9 out of 10 people will survive when it’s diagnosed at its earliest stage.

Roger Prudham, Clinical Lead for colorectal cancer in Greater Manchester, said: “We really want to find as many cancers as possible as early as we can to help save more lives.

“Our bowel cancer awareness van will be out on the roads across Greater Manchester – visiting shopping centres and high streets – helping people understand what they need to look out for.”

Roger continued: “The team will also be able to help with advice about the bowel cancer screening programme for those who are eligible.”

The van will across Salford in certain locations here –

• Tesco, Irlam – Thursday 12^th and Friday 20^th December
• Tesco, Salford – Friday 13^th and Saturday 21^st December
• Walkden Town Centre – Saturday 14^th and Thursday 19^th December

And further locations will be available on This Van Can when available.