PEOPLE across the Keighley district are being urged to come forward if they experience any potential symptoms of cancer.

'If in doubt, get checked out' is the message of a new awareness-raising campaign.

As part of the venture, Keighley and Worth Valley Community Partnership has created a series of videos voiced by people who have had cancer themselves or lost family or friends to the disease.

The videos have been produced in several languages – including English, Urdu, Slovak, Bangla and Polish – and the first can now be viewed at youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtL_xkBoKIMlPbF6YipnQL7DqdMRzMxBM

Early diagnosis is key to improving the likelihood of successful treatment for cancer, say NHS chiefs, who are encouraging people to attend screening appointments when invited and contact their GP practice if they notice blood in their poo, have unusual lumps or a cough for more than three weeks.

The NHS routinely offers cervical screening to all women aged 25 to 64, but uptake in Keighley is described as "particularly low", with one in four women not taking up the offer when invited.

Breast screening is offered to women aged 50 to 70, however fewer than 40 per cent of younger women in Airedale who receive an invitation come forward. Efforts are planned this year to improve the uptake.

And everyone aged 56 to 74 is given the opportunity to carry out bowel screening home tests, with the programme being extended to people aged 54 from next month.

Amongst those backing the campaign is Keighley GP David Thompson.

He says: "If you’ve noticed anything different or something that won’t go away, contact your GP practice. Not all symptoms are serious and it may be nothing to worry about.

"Appointments will be done respectfully and in private with a health professional who will take any worries into consideration. They will talk through your symptoms and with your permission, examine you. You may be referred to a specialist at your local hospital for more tests if needed.

"It's so important to come forward with any concerns, but it’s equally vital to attend screening appointments when invited. Screening is the best way to identify if you’re at increased risk of cancer. We use it to get ahead of the disease and start treatment even before your symptoms start."

He adds that making simple lifestyle changes, such as eating healthily and taking regular exercise, can significantly reduce the risk of developing cancer.