A cancer charity service that provides free health checks for the over 60’s across Northern Ireland has reported a highly successful first two years following a health conference which aimed to write a new script for men’s health.
The Cancer Focus Northern Ireland Well Aware service, which aims to raise awareness about cancer and improve the health of over 60’s, visits supported living schemes and a wide variety of local community based groups.
Since Well Aware started in 2013, it has visited 105 venues, more than 1,000 older people have had free health checks and another 1,386 attended health promotion sessions, according to an independent evaluation.
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Among those who attended the Cancer Focus conference were Eoin McAnuff from Men’s Sheds in Downpatrick, a support group for older men, and Dervilia Kernaghan and Sandra Gordon, from Cancer Focus NI.[/caption]The venues visited included Men’s Shed support group for older men in Downpatrick. The evaluation was carried out by Dr Una Lynch, of Sonrisa Solutions, who said: “Older people are more at risk of cancer but are less likely to know what they can do to help themselves.
“The Well Aware project is directed at educating older people about ways they can lower their risk and helping them to understand the importance and benefits of early detection.
“This project is a timely reminder that you are never too old to learn or to change. In its first two years it has surpassed all expectations, is highly respected by users and feedback has been universally positive.”
Dervilia Kernaghan, Cancer Focus NI Well Aware Project Coordinator, said: “As we grow older our risk of cancer increases – around 75% of diagnoses are in this age group.
“Because of this we felt it was vitally important to offer a cancer prevention service targeting the over 60’s. We want to empower older people to take control of their own health and to feel confident enough to speak to a doctor if they have any concerns. We’re delighted with the positive response we’ve had so far and are obviously filling a need among some of the most vulnerable in our society.
“Our key messages to everyone, regardless of age, are don’t smoke, eat a healthy diet, limit alcohol, exercise regularly, take care in the sun and attend for cancer screening when invited.”
The Well Aware service was showcased at a recent Men and Cancer Conference, hosted by Cancer Focus NI. Delegates heard that over the next three years, Well Aware will be focusing particularly on older men, people with cognitive impairment and smokers living in supported accommodation.
Well Aware is a partnership between Cancer Focus NI and Choice Housing and is funded by the Big Lottery Fund for five years.
As part of the Well Aware project, Cancer Focus NI also trains older people in cancer awareness so that they can offer reliable information to their peers.
For more information or to arrange a Well Aware visit, email: [email protected]
or call 028 9068 0743.
To book the Cancer Focus NI Keeping Well health check van for your workplace or organisation, call 028 9066 3281 or email:
If you have any concerns about cancer call the free, local Cancer Focus NI helpline on 0800 783 3339.
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