CHARITY chiefs are launching a campaign to tackle cancer in Nottingham.
Cancer Research UK says that, thanks to developments in medicine, 640 people in the city will survive the disease every year.
But figures also show that 20 per cent more people in the city die after suffering cancer than the national average.
The cancer mortality rate in Nottingham city is 207.8 per 100,000 – the national average is 172 per 100,000.
Now, the charity is launching a campaign aimed at tackling the problem.
The campaign, which runs from now until the end of September, aims to encourage Nottingham people to be aware of changes to their normal health and visit their GP sooner with any concerns.
Jane Riley, of Gedling, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 and says the campaign could make a huge difference based on her own experience.
The 48 year old who works in IT at the Queen's Medical Centre, said: "I was watching the Channel 4 Embarrassing Bodies programme when I finally did something about it.
"In the programme one of the doctors was showing a team of hockey players how to examine their breasts. I had an inkling that I had a lump but I couldn't really bring myself to acknowledge that it could be happening to me.
"But the programme made me do the examination at the same time and I thought, 'I've got to get it seen to'."
She added: "It is about raising awareness."
The campaign will feature posters around the city, on buses and taxis, and adverts in the Nottingham Post and on Smooth FM and Capital FM.
Cancer Research UK's project manager for Nottingham, Roger Wright, said: "While many lives in Nottingham are being saved from cancer, it is not enough. Around two people a day die from cancer in this city. And every day, more than three people in Nottingham will be told they have cancer.
"This campaign is an opportunity for Cancer Research UK to speak directly to the people of Nottingham and highlight the importance of early diagnosis and how spotting cancer early can save lives."
Around 1,300 people are diagnosed with cancer in the Nottingham local authority area each year and overall, around 50 per cent of those will now survive the disease for at least ten years – double what it was 40 years ago.
Most of the major causes of death are more prevalent in the city due to smoking, obesity and deprivation. Chris Kenny, director of public health for Notts county and Nottingham city, said: "We're adopting a strategic approach.
"We need to support citizens to adopt healthier lifestyles and we are also working hard to improve the early diagnosis of cancers through raising awareness of key symptoms."
