More than 500 people have already visited a pop-up cancer shop that marked its official opening today.

The shop is based in The Broadwalk Centre, in Station Road, Edgware, and opened last Tuesday.

It offers advice and support from specialist nurses and experts from Cancer Research UK.

A ceremony was held to mark the official opening, which was attended by volunteers, health officials and Hendon MP Matthew Offord.

Azmina Verjee, 39, became involved in cancer research after undergoing treatment for bowel cancer in her 20s.

She said: “It’s so important we have things like this. It’s one thing to have health information in surgeries and libraries, but the people you need to reach are in shopping centres, train stations, town centres, everywhere. People who wouldn’t come into contact otherwise."

Ms Verjee, who lives in Symphony Close, Edgware, added: “We have been seeing about 100 people a day, which is more than we were at our Barnet shop. It’s a busy location. We have been spreading the message and giving people information. Any opportunity we get, we are grateful.”

The shop is open from Tuesday to Sunday each week, and runs until October 12. Edgware councillor Helena Hart said: “I feel it’s a trailblazer. I was delighted with the success of the one in Barnet, and I am still dazed by the figures here. Everybody knows someone who has suffered. The message here is that it’s treatable.

“People are reluctant to talk about it. Only by doing something about it can we hope to have better survival rates and quality of life.”

Blood pressure and body mass index tests are also available.

Jeff Lake, a public health consultant for Barnet and Harrow Public Health Service, said: “It’s about raising awareness. This proves a very easy way to give advice, and gives an opportunity for people to get tested.

“I’m confident it will make a positive impact on the borough. This is about trying to dispel some of the fear people have. It’s really important people have an opportunity to seek advice about their health.”