Action Cancer Big Bus stopping in Whiteabbey

The bus will be hosted by Whiteabbey Action Cancer group and will be located at Whiteabbey Community Centre.

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

The mobile unit was launched in 2006 to help save lives and support people. Its main sponsor is retail group SuperValu and its independent retailers.

There are a number of vital services available on the Big Bus including, digital breast screening for women aged between 40 and 49 and over 70, health promotion and MOT health checks for men and women. There is also a full body composition analysis which uses the latest technology to provide clients with information on their height, weight, body mass index and more, and also offers health awareness and weight loss guidance.

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

Action Cancer Big Bus coordinator Seán Conlon encourages people to use the service.

“The Big Bus has become a well-known and valuable health resource for men and women throughout Northern Ireland, delivering life-saving services right to their doorstep,” he said.

Donna Morrison, SuperValu Marketing Manager is pleased to be involved with the programme.

“SuperValu has been in partnership with Action Cancer for 12 years in support of the charity’s mobile services. We are extremely proud to play our part in the Big Bus service and to help Action Cancer make an impact on the health of local communities throughout Northern Ireland,” she said.

Anyone interested in making an appointment for the Big Bus when it is in Whiteabbey should call Action Cancer in advance on 028 9080 3344. Alternatively, you can book online by going to www.actioncancer.org, and follow the ‘online booking’ link on the home page. Appointments will be available from 10am to 3pm each day. Bookings are taken on a first come first served basis as there are a limited number of appointments for all services.