As a Battersea cancer charity celebrated its 30th anniversary a user has urged people with any concerns about the disease to seek help from their GP immediately.

Paul’s Cancer Support Centre, based in York Road, held its 30th AGM last week including speeches from Nicholas Hyde, clinical director at St George’s Hospital; Dr Anthony Cunliffe, Macmillan lead GP for Wandsworth and Kelly Kolkiewicz, who had uterine cancer diagnosed four years ago.

It was the message from Ms Kolkiewicz, 44, who started visiting the centre in 2010, which hit home the hardest.

She said: “I think everyone is an expert concerning their own bodies so if you suspect something is wrong, don’t hesitate to go to the GP.

“Cancer is not something to be so frightened of as it used to be in the past; if caught early enough there are many good treatments available.

“If it can happen to a healthy, active person like me, it can happen to anyone so don’t ignore any symptoms.”

Ms Kolkiewicz, who lives in Wandsworth, first visited Paul’s in 2010 after learning about its Coping with Cancer Stress Course.

She said: “The course involved learning how to relax through controlled breathing and meditation, guided visualisations and many other techniques including keeping a journal of feelings.

“I am much calmer now and able to face what happened to me.”

For more information visit paulscancersupportcentre.org.uk or call 020 7924 3924.