Posters featuring Sue Vipond’s smiling face will be in Cancer Research UK shops across Scotland until September 9.
The retired nurse, from Peebles, is part of the Spot Cancer Early campaign, encouraging people to see their GP about any unusual or persistent changes to their body.
The 62-year-old was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2009 and was treated successfully with surgery and chemotherapy. She said she wants her experience to persuade others to take action, and has a personal message on the campaign poster: “Spotting cancer early saved my life. Now I’m free to live it.”
Ms Vipond said: “When men and women see my picture in the shop window, they will see someone who has recovered from cancer and is enjoying life. I hope it will help them understand that cancer does not have to be a death sentence anymore. Today more and more people like me are surviving the disease.
“As a former nurse, I know how important it is to listen to my body and take what it’s telling me seriously. I was shocked to find out that I had ovarian cancer but I’m so glad I went to see my doctor when I felt something was wrong. I hope that my experience will persuade anyone who might be hesitating about seeing their GP about changes to their body to get them checked out as soon as possible.”
Another message on the poster reads: “You’re twice as likely to survive cancer today than 40 years ago.”
Linda Summerhayes, Cancer Research UK spokeswoman for Scotland, said: “Sue is a fantastic ambassador for our Spot Cancer Early campaign. Her experience really highlights the importance of knowing your own body. Understanding what’s normal for you can help you notice anything that’s out of the ordinary.
“More than one in three of us will get cancer at some point in our lives, but the good news is more people are surviving the disease now than ever before. Survival rates have doubled since the early 1970s.
“We hope that seeing Sue’s poster in Cancer Research UK shops all over Scotland will encourage others to follow her example and go to see their GP if they notice an unusual or persistent change to their body, even if it doesn’t seem serious. It may not be anything to worry about. In which case, getting checked will give peace of mind. But if it does turn out to be something more serious, finding it early could make all the difference.”
Copyright (c) Press Association Ltd. 2012, All Rights Reserved.
No comments:
Post a Comment