RAISING cancer awareness in East Lancashire is to be tackled by a new pioneering mobile health vehicle, launched yesterday.

The East Lancashire Mobile Cancer Information Service will provide crucial information about cancer to all communities.

The vehicle will visit community centres, health centres and even supermarkets to display and give out information about cancer and cancer services which are open to all across the region.

By carrying the logo "Are you Cancer Aware?" in English, Gujarati, Urdu and Bengali languages it is hoped the vehicle will make vital information -- promoting early diagnosis of cancer -- open to all.

Elaine Entwistle, project manager of the service which is funded by the New Opportunities Fund and managed by Burnley Health Care NHS Trust, said: "The project to develop this service began 12 months ago and I have been busy collecting and compiling booklets, leaflets and videos some of which will be available in several languages.

"We are trying to raise awareness amongst every section of the community and we have got information in Asian languages as we are aware that sometimes information is not understandable by everybody.

"Our aim is to encourage people to recognise signs and symptoms and therefore reduce the risk of cancer.

"Early diagnosis is very important so we make it clear to people that if they have any worries they should visit a doctor.

"I am now just looking forward to getting out on the road to put all of this hard work to good use."

Elaine has a post-graduate diploma in cancer care and will be helped by Burnley health care volunteers as she travels the region.

Catch the East Lancashire Mobile Cancer Service at Kwik Save in Colne between 11am and 3.30pm on Thursday, June 13.

For further dates or if you would like the vehicle to visit your community contact Elaine on 01282 475127.