Croydon has been selected to host the UK’s first ever ‘Get to know cancer’ pop-up shop to help people learn more about cancer.

It is part of a new campaign backed by The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, to help Londoners detect the symptoms of cancer earlier.

The ‘Get to know cancer’ pop-up shop opened in the Centrale Shopping Centre today (September 28) for five weeks.

Numerous events will be held at the shop, enabling shoppers to find out additional information about cancer, share stories and ask any questions they might have about the disease.

In the Croydon shop, cancer specialists and nurses from Croydon University Hospital, Royal Marsden and charities Cancer Research UK and Macmillan will talk to people about cancer and the importance of early diagnosis and spotting symptoms.

If the pilot is successful it is hoped that the shops will be rolled out more widely across London.

Councillor Margaret Mead, Croydon Council's cabinet member for adult services and health, said:  "For some people talking about cancer can be really hard.

"The Get to Know Cancer pop-up shop is a place where people can go and talk informally about cancer, its causes and treatment.

"The more we know about cancer, the more able we are to catch and prevent it early. We are delighted to be pioneering this excellent initiative in Croydon."

Sony Mistou, Marketing Manager at Centrale said: "Get to know cancer is a hugely important message for Londoners, so we’re very proud to have been selected to pilot the scheme.

"We hope shoppers will take advantage of all the expert advice given out at the shop as research says the more people talk about cancer the better to help diagnose the disease in good time."

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson said he wants to breakdown the taboo of cancer and encourage people to speak out more quickly if they have any concerns.

Visit www.gettoknowcancer.org to find out more about the campaign.