Action Cancer Bus Brings Vital Health Checks to Newcastle

Residents in Newcastle and the surrounding areas have availed of free basic health checks thanks to a visit by Action Cancer’s Big Bus on Wednesday 17 July which was organised by Mournes District Electoral Area Forum (DEA) in partnership with County Down Rural Community Network. The initiative was organised as part of a number of health and wellbeing programmes delivered throughout the Mournes DEA to help people access services that can improve their health and links to support services.  

The Action Cancer Big Bus mobile clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed by experienced health professionals, offering breast screening, health checks and health promotion services. These screenings can help with early detection of cancer, when it is most treatable and can also identify other health concerns such as diabetes, high cholesterol or high blood pressure, providing residents with the knowledge and tools they need to take proactive steps to safeguard their wellbeing.

The clinics were available for anyone to attend and women between the ages of 40-49 and 70+ could also receive a digital breast screening service.

Annually the Action Cancer Bus provides approximately 5,000 breast screenings and 4,000 MOT health checks within local communities which is key to early detection and prevention.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Pete Byrne said; “It is so important that we continue to bring this vital service to the heart of the local community so that everyone, irrespective of where they live have access to health screening services. Detecting cancer at an early stage saves lives. I am delighted that partnership working has been able to offer what could be a life changing appointment to residents in the Newcastle area.”