CANCER support networks have been set up across West Lancashire to help, guide and support patients who have cancer or their carers. Staff are on hand to give a wide variety of support and guidance on coping with cancer at the events organised by West Lancashire Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service

Monthly meetings are held in Parbold, Banks and Tarleton and on weekdays in Skelmersdale.

Out of the main 10 cancers found in people across England; people in West Lancashire are more likely to develop cancer in 3 of these areas, according to health data relating to 2008 to 2010. These areas of prevalence include breast cancer, prostate cancer and skin cancer.

Macmillan points out cancer can affect all aspects of a person's life, not just their health and the team will be highlighting issues around the financial impact of the disease with many people faced with extra costs they hadn't considered.

Its research shows 4 in 5 people with cancer are ₤570 a month worse off as a result of their diagnosis, often due to being unable to work and having increased costs such as travel to Hospital or increased fuel bills.

Caroline Flynn, Macmillan Information and Support Service Manager for West Lancashire, said:- "It's really important that people living with cancer are able to access the financial advice and support they are entitled to so they can focus on what's most important, their health. We work closely with West Lancashire Citizens Advice as well as a range of other organisations that can provide free and confidential advice. On the dates mentioned we're here at a variety of venues across West Lancashire to answer any questions about cancer. Whether people want to know what symptoms to look out for, need advice about managing the side effects of their treatment or want to find local support for carers, come along and see us. We are here to help you."

Elaine Deeming, Lead Cancer Nurse, from Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust added:- "This is a great service designed to provide help, guidance and support to patients from West Lancashire. We have already had a lot of positive feedback across the four areas on how invaluable the Macmillan team has been."

People unable to visit the centre or outreach services but who have questions about cancer can visit:- MacMillan.Org.UK or call Macmillan free on:- 0808 80 80 000, Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm. Local Macmillan services are also listed online.

If cancers are detected early these cancers can often be treated and kept at bay and patients can often go on to make a full recovery. If you ever notice any changes to your body or things don't seem to be working as normal; please 'Stay Safe' and book an appointment to see your GP.

Macmillan, Southport and Ormskirk Hospitals and West Lancashire CCG work in close partnership to help and support patients with cancer across West Lancashire.

CANCER SUPPORT: Caroline Flynn, Macmillan Information and Support Service Manager, for West Lancashire.

Macmillan Cancer Information and Support is available:-

► Macmillan Information and Support Centre, Concourse Shopping Centre, Skelmersdale.

► WN8 6NL Open Monday to Friday, between:- 1pm to 4.30pm (Closed bank holidays).

► CHAT Support Group at the Centre  on every 1st Monday of the month, between:- 1.30pm to 3pm.

► Carers' Support Group on every 1st Tuesday of the month, between:- 1.30pm to 3pm.

► Parbold Surgery, 4 The Green, Parbold,  WN8 7DN, on the 1st Wednesday of the month, between:- 9.30am to 11.30am.

► North Meols Medical Centre, Church Road, Banks, Southport, PR9 8ET, on the 2nd Wednesday of the month, between:- 9.30am to 11.30am.

► Tarleton Health Centre, Gorse Lane, Tarleton, PR4 6UJ, on the last Friday of the month, between:- 9.30am to 11.30am.

IN response to:- 'World Glaucoma Week' that ran from 11 March to 18 March 2018, the team at Specsavers, in both Southport and Formby,  have been up skilling to better support customers with the condition.

Often symptomless in its early stages, glaucoma is 1 of the leading causes of irreversible sight loss. It is thought to affect 700,000 people in the UK today, but as many as 50% of cases are undiagnosed.

In conjunction with the International Glaucoma Association, Specsavers has developed the training for its retail teams to assist sufferers with their treatment. Specifically, they will be advising on how to effectively administer eye drops, which are crucial for managing the condition.

Victoria Dunn, retail director at both the Specsavers Formby and Southport stores, says:- "We are very proud to be involved in supporting the International Glaucoma Association and being able to better support our customers with the condition is a really positive development for our store.  Our store is such a big part of the community and it is really important to us that we can provide the very best service to our customers and support someone with the condition in the most effective way possible."

The training is being rolled out across Specsavers stores nationwide and complements the skills held by Specsavers' optometrists, who have collectively completed almost 5,000 postgraduate glaucoma accreditations since 2017, through a variety of accrediting bodies including:- Cardiff University and the College of Optometrists.

Karen Osborn, chief executive of IGA, says:- "The majority of people who are diagnosed early with glaucoma will retain useful sight for life. Most will be treated with medical eye drops. Unfortunately we know from calls to our helpline that many people aren't told about how to put the drop in the eye correctly, or aren't advised about the aids that are available to help them. We are delighted to work with Specsavers on this often over looked aspect of glaucoma management."