A CANCER survivor from St Ives has become the face of a major new nationwide cancer awareness campaign.

Paul Cox, 50, is launching the Spot Cancer Early campaign which features his face on posters in Cancer Research UK shops across East Anglia until September 9.

The father-of-two said he was happy to be involved as he wanted his experiences to persuade others to take action.

“I noticed irregularities in my bowel behaviour in 2009 so I immediately went to my GP,” he told The Hunts Post.

“I was sent to hospital and given various tests at the beginning of January and was eventually diagnosed on the 19th.”

An operation and chemotherapy followed, and as of November this year Mr Cox will have been cancer-free for three years.

The Spot Cancer Early campaign focuses on stories of cancer survivors and aims to encourage people to see their GP about any unusual or persistent changes to their body as soon as possible.

The poster highlights the fact that people are twice as likely to survive cancer today than they were 40 years ago, and contains a personal message of hope from Paul.

He added: “When men and women see my picture in the shop window they will see someone who has recovered from cancer and is enjoying life.

“I hope it will help them understand that cancer does not have to be a death sentence any more.

“Today more and more people are surviving the disease.”

Paula Young, of Cancer research UK East Anglia, said: “Paul is a fantastic ambassador for our Spot Cancer Early campaign.

“His experience really highlights the importance of knowing your own body.

“Understanding what’s normal for you can help you notice anything out of the ordinary.

“It may not be anything to worry about, in which case getting checked out will give you peace of mind.

“But if it does turn out to be something more serious, finding it early could make all the difference.

INFORMATION: For details on the campaign visit www.spotcancerearly.com