Stickers on mirrors will remind visitors to check for early signs of the disease

A person holds a sticker reading 'check you out'

NHS messages prompting gym-goers and swimmers to look out for potential signs of cancer are appearing on mirrors in the changing rooms of leisure centres across Barnet.

The eye-catching stickers will feature the message ‘Check you out’ and ‘Know what’s normal for you’ before reminding people that if something in their body doesn’t feel right, to contact their GP practice.

The scheme is the latest push by the NHS to find cancers at an earlier stage, with Better, the not-for-profit social enterprise that runs local centres on behalf of the London Borough of Barnet, the first leisure provider in the UK to focus on cancer awareness.

They join other partners, such as supermarkets and washroom hygiene specialists, to highlight cancer messages to the public in relevant everyday situations.

The new initiative comes as a survey by Better found that only 56% of respondents in London check their bodies for physical changes regularly (at least once a month), and 10% don’t check at all. The survey by Better also found that 32% of respondents in London said they are not aware of any potential cancer signs although 49% said they would recognise a lump or swelling in a part of their body as a possible early sign of cancer and would seek medical advice.

Professor Peter Johnson, National Clinical Director for Cancer at NHS England, said: “Finding cancer early is key to successful treatment and survival, but this means that we need people who experience symptoms to come forward as soon as they spot them. This is why it’s vital that people are aware of their bodies, take notice of a change that isn’t normal for them and get it checked out immediately.

“This partnership with Better means that we’re able to reach more people to remind them to check themselves at a time and a place where they are able to do so. It’s a simple thing that anyone can do, but it really can save your life.”

GLL’s Andrew Gilbert, Health and Physical Activity Manager in Barnet, added, “Our aim is to improve health and wellbeing in our local community, and we’re delighted to be partnering NHS England in this vital campaign.

“The survey we conducted clearly indicates a need to raise awareness of potential signs of cancer and the mirror stickers will hopefully act as a timely reminder to our customers to check themselves regularly.”

Colindale resident Pushpa Dabasia is lending her support to the scheme. Dabasia was treated for breast cancer two years ago after finding a lump. She underwent a gruelling programme of chemo, radiotherapy and surgery and urges other people to check themselves for signs of illness. “I would advise other people going through cancer treatment to stay positive,” she says. “Eat well and go out and talk to people. If someone makes a fuss about what you’re going through and makes you feel bad, just ignore them!”

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