POLICE officers out on the beat are now more cancer aware thanks to specialist training from Warrington experts.

Cheshire Police is the latest organisation to receive cancer awareness training from NHS Warrington Clinical Commissioning Group.

Throughout the past few months, 54 local police officers and police community support officers have undergone six free online educational sessions on the signs and symptoms of cancer.

The sessions also covered the importance of cancer screening in detecting conditions early which can save lives.

The aim of the training is to support police officers and police community support officers in communicating these vital messages to the public.

Paul Corless, the CCG’s cancer screening co-ordinator who conducted the training, said: “Police officers are a great addition to the Cancer Screening Ambassadors in Warrington, as they are at the heart of the community.

“They have normal everyday conversations with members of the public during drop-in sessions and when out on foot.

“The course has provided officers with the confidence and knowledge to be able to pick up on any symptoms that may be of concern and encourage people to contact their GP.”

CI Neil Drum, of Warrington Local Policing Unit, added: “The training provided to our neighbourhood police officers and police community support officers ensures they have a greater awareness of cancer signs and symptoms, as well as the importance of cancer screening when carrying out their duties.

“I am grateful to NHS Warrington CCG for providing this potentially lifesaving opportunity.”

Other organisations who have received the free training include the LiveWire Lifestyles team, Warrington Wolves Foundation and Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust’s Health and Wellbeing team.

If you are interested in joining future training sessions, email paul.corless@nhs.net

For more information about the signs and symptoms of cancer, visit nhs.uk/cancer and for more information about cancer screening, visit nhs.uk/conditions/nhs-screening/