There’s no excuse to delay it.

The Irish Cancer Society has announced that it is offering free health checks in Merchant’s Quay Shopping Centre in Cork City today and tomorrow.

As part of the ‘Your Health Matters’ Early Detection Roadshow, nurses will administer health checks to the public from 9am – 6pm on Thursday, May 12th and Friday, May 13th, 2022.

The health check is a free walk-in service with no booking needed. It will include a blood pressure check, body mass index (BMI) and carbon monoxide (CO) reading and information on cancer prevention, screening and ways to help spot the early signs of cancer.

Each health check will take approximately 15 minutes and nurses will also be on hand to discuss any changes in health or concerns about cancer a person may have. A referral for a GP will also be arranged where further help is required.

Early detection is key

“Early detection and diagnosis of cancer is essential to improve health outcomes. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a growing backlog of patients with cancer symptoms who have not presented or are waiting for urgent time-critical diagnostic services.” said a spokesperson.

“As this disruption could lead to later stage presentation and increased cancer mortality in the coming years, the Irish Cancer Society will continue to deliver early detection roadshow events across Ireland throughout 2022.”

This initiative seeks to promote positive lifestyle changes, increase awareness of cancer symptoms, and improve medical care-seeking behaviour for the early signs of cancer.

Last year the roadshow visited 10 locations nationwide, educating 19,000 people face-to-face on how they can catch the signs of cancer early.