MUSLIMS are being urged to still attend cancer screenings during the holy month of Ramadan.

Reports from primary care trust NHS Waltham Forest show that the number of people getting screened during Ramadan, which starts this year on August 11, is lower than the rest of the year.

Yusuf Hansa, chairman of the Noor Ul Islam Trust in Leyton, said: “It is compulsory to treat yourself for medication, including cancer screening, at all times.

“It is important for you to attend a cancer screening appointment even during Ramadan.

“As for bowel cancer screening, if a Muslim is fasting it is better to avoid it during Ramadan.”

“Our part of London has some of the worst survival rates for cancer in the UK. This is largely due to late diagnosis.

“That’s why it is so important that people participate when invited or attend screening appointments, where appropriate - even during Ramadan.”

Anybody who feels they are unable to attend an appointment should contact the number provided on their invitation letter to rearrange the appointment for after Ramadan.

Go to www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk for more information about the NHS cancer screening programme.

Go to www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Healthyramadan/Pages/healthyramadanhome for advice on how to have a healthy Ramadan.

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