Leisure centres across the North West are to display NHS reminders for gym-goers to be vigilant for signs of cancer.

Stickers featuring messages such as ‘Check you out’ and ‘Know what’s normal for you’ will be put up in 30 leisure centres that are managed by Better, a prominent UK charitable social enterprise.

The new initiative is part of an ongoing NHS campaign to detect cancers at an earlier stage.

The stickers will urge people to seek medical advice if something in their body feels abnormal.

In a recent survey conducted by Better, it was found that only 58 per cent of the region’s residents check their bodies for physical changes regularly, while 15 per cent do not self-check at all.

Dr Gareth Wallis, interim regional medical director at NHS England, said: "Finding cancer early is key to successful treatment and survival, but this means that we need people who experience symptoms to come forward as soon as they spot them.

"This is why it’s vital that people are aware of their bodies, take notice of a change that isn’t normal for them and get it checked out immediately."

He added: "This partnership with Better means that we’re able to reach more people to remind them to check themselves at a time and a place where they are able to do so.

"It’s a simple thing that anyone can do, but it really can save your life."

Joe Rham from Better, said: "Our aim is to improve health and wellbeing in local communities and we’re delighted to be partnering NHS England in this vital campaign.

"The survey we conducted clearly indicates a need to raise awareness of potential signs of cancer and the mirror stickers will hopefully act as a timely reminder to our customers to check themselves regularly."

According to the data, NHS staff started cancer treatment for more than 50,000 patients in June, with over a quarter of a million people referred for urgent cancer checks.

The survey also revealed that 20 per cent of respondents from the North West were unaware of any warning signs of cancer, despite 62 per cent recognising a lump or swelling as a possible symptom.