Big Bus drives cancer service to Islandmagee

The 18 metre-long articulated vehicle houses cancer prevention and early detection services, and staff on the unit also provide information about support services.

Services provided on the Big Bus, which is fully accessible for people with disabilities by means of a wheelchair lift, include digital breast screening for women aged between 40 and 49 and over 70, health promotion and MOT health checks for men and women.

A full body composition analysis using the latest technology provides clients with information on their height, weight, body mass index and more, and also offers health awareness and weight loss guidance, encouraging people to adapt to a healthier lifestyle.

Big Bus staff can provide information on complementary therapies and other cancer support services such as counselling, a Listening Ear Service, and support groups that are available for cancer patients, their carers and families at the charity’s headquarters in Belfast and at other locations.

Anyone interested in making an appointment for the Big Bus should telephone Action Cancer in advance on 028 9080 3344. Appointments will be available from 10am to 3pm, and bookings are taken on a first come first served basis as there are a limited number of appointments for all services.

Action Cancer Head of Professional Services, Geraldine Kerr said: “The Big Bus is a unique facility for men and women throughout Northern Ireland as it delivers vital life saving and support services right to their doorstep.

“Every year the Big Bus visits 200 communities providing breast screenings to nearly 3,000 women and health checks and advice to approximately 2,000 people.

“With cancer rates on the increase, early detection and prevention services, as well as support for those diagnosed with cancer and their families, are even more crucial. Action Cancer would therefore strongly encourage the public to avail of the Big Bus service when it visits their community.”

The mobile clinic, whose main sponsor is retail group SuperValu and its independent retailers, was launched in 2006 to help Action Cancer save lives and support people.

The unit, which is the first of its kind in Europe, will be located at Larne Golf Club, 54 Ferris Bay Road, Islandmagee on Saturday, November 26.