Go Bananas This Friday
News Release
Wednesday May 12, 2010
Go bananas this Friday
RESIDENTS in Leicester are being encouraged to go bananas and grab some fruit in a bid to prevent cancer.
NHSLeicesterCity is supporting the World Cancer Research Fund’s ‘Fruity Friday’campaign, to raise awareness of the importance of eating fruit and vegetables to help prevent cancer.
The awareness day falls on Friday May 14. During 2009, more than 550 people died from cancers in Leicester.
Gulshinder Chattha, dietitian from Leicestershire Nutrition and Dietetic Service working withNHSLeicesterCity, said: “Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and pulses such as beans and lentils, limiting our consumption of red meats such as beef, pork and lamb andlimiting alcoholic drinks will go a long way to help prevent cancer.
“Avoiding salty foods and sugary drinks can also help to prevent early onset of cancer. Try swapping a sugary snack for a piece of fruit, get off the bus a stop earlier and take a short work to work. All these small changes could make a big difference.”
Cancer can present with a variety of symptoms. If you notice any of the symptoms below make an appointment to see your doctor. Experts and doctors agree that these symptoms are the most important ones to look out for and they will be keen to see you if you have noticed any of them.
Possible signs of cancer for men and women:
- An unusual lump or swelling anywhere on your body
- A change in the size, shape or colour of a mole
- A sore that won’t heal after several weeks
- A mouth or tongue ulcer that lasts longer than three weeks
- A cough or croaky voice that lasts longer than three weeks
- Persistent difficulty swallowing or indigestion
- Problems passing urine
- Blood in your urine
- Blood in your bowel motions
- A change to more frequent bowel motions that lasts longer than six weeks
- Unexplained weight loss or heavy night sweats
- An unexplained pain or ache that lasts longer than four weeks
Possible signs of cancer for women:
- An unusual breast change
- Bleeding from the vagina after the menopause or between periods
Further information on prevention of cancers please log on to the NHS Choices website at
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For interviews or more information please contact press officer Liz Mattock on 0116 295 4123 or