Shoppers in Sittingbourne can find out about ovarian and oesophago-gastric (gullet) cancers this weekend.

The Be Clear on Cancer roadshow will be at Sainsbury, in Roman Square, Sittingbourne, between 9am and 5pm on Saturday 23 March.

Specially trained advisors will be on hand to talk to people and give them information.

The event is part of a county wide tour by Kent and Medway Cancer Network to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of the two cancers.

From 2007 to 2011, there were 425 cases of oesophago-gastric and 179 cases of ovarian cancers in Kent and Medway. During that time, 336 people died of oesophago-gastric cancer and 121 women died of ovarian cancer.

The roadshows are intended to help people recognise the signs and symptoms of the diseases, to encourage the early detection which is vital to treating it successfully.

Dr Julia Duke-MacRae, consultant in public health medicine for NHS Kent and Medway said: "Almost one in two women (47 per cent) in the UK incorrectly believed that cervical screening will detect ovarian cancer, according to the Pathfinder Study.

"At present, there is no simple test to diagnose this disease, so it is crucial that women are aware of the symptoms of ovarian cancer which may include persistent bloating/increased abdominal size, pelvic or abdominal pains, eating and feeling full quickly, needing to pee urgently or more frequently.

"We urge any woman experiencing any of these symptoms for three weeks or more to go and see their GP. They would like to see you. The earlier you are diagnosed, the more effective the treatment will be. Early diagnosis really saves lives."

It is hoped that by improving women’s knowledge and understanding of the disease, survival rates will improve. Survival rates can be more than 90 per cent for women diagnosed with early stage ovarian cancer.

The oesophagus is the long tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. The top part of the oesophagus lies behind the windpipe (trachea). The bottom part runs down through the chest between the spine and the heart.

Symptoms of oesophago-gastric cancer may include heartburn or indigestion on and off for three or more weeks, weight loss for no apparent reason, a persistent cough, trapped wind or frequent burping, nausea or vomiting and feeling bloated after eating.

Visit www.nhs.uk/beclearoncancer for more details about the signs and symptoms of a range of cancers.