Dukinfield councillor John Taylor is advising everyone of the importance of regular checks to combat cancer.

It comes after he recovers from recent treatment and an operation for skin cancer.

The long-serving Tameside councillor, now 73, revealed that he sadly lost both his parents to cancer when he was just a child and his mother and father were only in their 30s.

“I do regular checks due to a long family history of skin cancer,” explained John.

Fortunately he has been given the all clear following an operation at The Christie in January.

“I go to Tameside Hospital every three months for checks at the dermatology department and they are brilliant.

“But the advice to everyone is to get checked immediately if you spot anything untoward.”

The councillor also took the opportunity to promote the importance of getting regular bowel cancer screening for those who are eligible.

Bowel cancer screening is offered for free on the NHS every two years for everyone in England between the ages of 60 and 74, although the age range is being extended to those over 56.

The screening programme helps detect bowel cancer when it is at an early stage, especially in people who may have no symptoms. The earlier any cancer is caught, the more likely treatment will be effective.

Screening can also detect polyps, which although not cancer, can develop into cancers over time and so therefore can be removed to reduce the risk of cancer.

“The message is clear. Get checked and get it found early,” reiterated John. 

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