Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development Michelle Gildernew and the Deputy President of the Ulster Farmers Union (UFU), Harry Sinclair have lent their support to Action Cancer's efforts to raise awareness of their services in rural communities.

Attending an event this week organised by Northern Ireland's leading, local cancer charity, Action Cancer, the Minister and UFU guests were given a tour of the Action Cancer Big Bus mobile screening unit, whose main sponsor is retail group SuperValu. Action Cancer's acting Chief Executive Dougie King, explained the drive to target people living in rural areas with the unique cancer screening, support and health promotion services onboard.

Mr King said; "Action Cancer has been driving cancer services to communities across Northern Ireland with the Big Bus since it was launched in September 2006. This work is crucial in helping to save lives and support people in all parts of Northern Ireland, and particularly people who live in rural areas who might find it harder to access other services."

Digital breast screening for women aged 40-49 and over 65 is offered on the Big Bus, along with support services which include advice, information, complementary therapies and a volunteer led project called the Listening Ear, which provides emotional and practical support to people whose lives have been affected by cancer.

Mr King added; "Research shows that almost half of the people who use the Big Bus would not have gone to their GP.

"We are very encouraged that over 10,000 people have accessed the service and we have a commitment to drive the Big Bus to even more rural communities. Action Cancer's regional service provision addresses issues rural communities regularly encounter, like transport, access to local services and by providing vital life-saving and support services the Big Bus enhances the quality of life in those communities."

Action Cancer plans to raise awareness of the Big Bus service in country areas to ensure that rural communities, farmers and their families know what services are available and how to request the Big Bus.

One of the key issues Action Cancer says it will target with the new drive is men's health, in the hope that they can get men to come forward with any problems and to have health MOT's.

Mr King continued; "Men are notoriously poor at looking after their own health.

"We have a Men's MOT clinic on the Big Bus and we encourage men in rural areas to come to our health specialists for information and advice."

Over 10,000 people have used the Big Bus since it was launched two years ago, including 5,000 women who have been screened for breast cancer.

Voicing her support, Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA said, "Action Cancer's efforts through their Big Bus initiative are a credit to their organisation, improving health and offering a life-saving service to rural communities.

"I am very impressed by the new state of the art facilities on the bus, which has travelled to almost 450 locations since 2006.

"I would encourage as many of the rural population who can to take advantage of this opportunity.

"I would also like to thank the projects main sponsor SuperValu for their support, fundraising and commitment to the charity's mobile cancer services"

UFU Deputy President Harry Sinclair said; "We want to congratulate Action Cancer for targeting rural areas and making important health services more accessible for many rural dwellers.

"It is very important that rural people have access to professional health services such as this.

"The cancer screening and support service will save lives and it is a very important development for the farming and rural communities.

"We would particularly encourage men to note that the service is available and to use it when it visits their locality".

As part of SuperValu's award-winning commitment to Action Cancer's mobile cancer services, which they have sponsored since 2001, the independent retail group is funding over £600,000 towards the £1.5 million needed for the Big Bus in the first three years, including the annual running costs of £120,000.

SuperValu stores throughout Northern Ireland host Big Bus visits and raise funds to keep the service moving.

SuperValu's Sales Director Nigel Maxwell added; "SuperValu's partnership with Action Cancer is now in its eighth year and we are delighted that the Big Bus is bringing crucial cancer services to thousands of people every year."

"Independent SuperValu retailers are proud of the positive effect the Big Bus is having on the well-being of men and women in all corners of Northern Ireland.

"Their fundraising support of the Big Bus is aligned with their support for local suppliers, and comes under a common theme of nurturing local communities and economies."