Everyone across the Isle of Man is being asked to unite on World Cancer Day, Saturday 4 February, to help beat cancer sooner.

Cancer Research UK is calling on men, women and children to play their part by wearing a Unity Band or donating. Money raised will help fund life-saving research and help bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

World Cancer Day Unity Bands are made of two parts, knotted together, to symbolise strength in unity and the power of what can be achieved when people join forces.

The bands come in three different colours – pink, navy and cyan - and are available from a variety of locations on the Isle of Man* for a suggested donation of ?2 as well as online at www.cruk.org.uk/worldcancerday. Stores stocking the bands include: Peacocks at the Strand Shopping Centre, Douglas, Peacocks - Shoprite, Victoria Road, Douglas and M&Co in Chester Street.

Every band worn, every donation made and everyone who shows their support will help save more lives by funding research that will accelerate our progress in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

This year, Cancer Research UK is working with nine other charities to encourage people to wear a Unity Band and help raised vital funds. By joining together, the charities hope to raise awareness and make an impact in transforming the lives of millions who are affected by cancer.

Last year Cancer Research UK, which carries out pioneering work into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer, spent around ?23million on research in the North West.

Alison Barbuti, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for the Isle of Man, said: “World Cancer Day provides an opportunity for people on the Isle of Man, as well as across the world, to show that together we can be a powerful force to help beat cancer sooner.

“So many of us know someone affected by cancer, and wearing a Unity Band or donating is a simple and easy way to show your support.

“Whatever you motivation – to remember a loved one, celebrate people who have overcome the disease, or to rally in support of those going through treatment - World Cancer Day is a chance to get involved and help more people survive this disease.

“One in two people will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lifetime and every year 40,800 people are diagnosed with cancer in the North West.**

“Survival has doubled since the early 1970s and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress – but every step our doctors, nurses and scientists take relies on donations from the public and the tireless fundraising of our supporters.

“We hope everyone joins us on World Cancer Day by wearing a Unity Band and pledging support so we can beat cancer sooner.”

For more information, visit www.cruk.org/worldcancerday.

**All cancers (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) annual average 2011-2013 in the North West Region
*To search Unity Band stockists by location visit: http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/support-us/donate/world-cancer-day/find-a-shop