Cancer
About Cancer
Cancer is when cells in a part of the body grow and multiply uncontrollably. These cancer cells can invade and damage nearby healthy tissue, including organs.
Cancer can start in one part of the body and then spread to other areas. This spreading is called metastasis. There are over 200 types of cancer, each with its own ways of being diagnosed and treated.
Changes in how your body normally works or unusual symptoms can sometimes be early signs of cancer. Often, these symptoms are not caused by cancer but by other, non-cancerous health issues. However, it's still important to see your GP so they can check your symptoms.
Making some simple changes to your lifestyle can significantly reduce your risk of developing cancer:
- Giving up smoking
- Keeping to a healthy weight
- Eating a balanced diet
- Being physically active
- Limiting how much alcohol you drink
- Taking care in the sun
Screenings
Cervical Screening
A cervical screening test (previously called a smear test) checks for abnormal cells on the cervix, which is the entrance to the womb from the vagina. Finding and removing these cells can prevent cervical cancer.
Women aged 25 to 64 in England are offered cervical screening because it helps find abnormal cells early so they can be treated quickly. Women registered with a GP are automatically invited for screening.
Even if you've had the HPV vaccine, you should still get screened because the vaccine doesn't protect against all types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer.
Visit the NHS website for more information about cervical screening
Breast Cancer Screening
About 1 in 8 women in the UK will get breast cancer in their lifetime. If it's found early, treatment is more successful and there's a good chance of recovery.
Breast screening aims to find breast cancer early. It uses an X-ray test called a mammogram to spot cancers when they're too small to see or feel.
Women aged 50 to 70 and registered with a GP are automatically invited for breast cancer screening every 3 years because the risk of breast cancer increases with age.
Find out more about breast screening on the NHS website
Regularly checking your breasts or chest helps you detect early signs of breast cancer and understand what is normal for you. This makes it easier to spot any changes that might indicate a condition like breast cancer. Aim to check your breasts or chest about once a month.
Go to the NHS website for guidance on how to check your breasts or chest
Bowel Cancer Screening
Bowel cancer is common in both men and women, with about 1 in 20 people getting it in their lifetime.
Screening can help find bowel cancer early when it's easier to treat. It can also help find and remove small growths in the bowel called polyps, which can turn into cancer over time. Men and women aged 60 to 74 who are registered with a GP in England are automatically sent a bowel cancer screening kit every 2 years.
Make sure your GP has your correct address so your kit is sent to the right place. If you're 75 or older, you can ask for a kit every 2 years by calling the free bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 60 60.
Find out more about bowel cancer screening on the NHS website
Support Organisations
Macmillan
Macmillan is a charity that helps support people and their families who are affected by cancer by offering them support financially and emotionally. They hold many fundraising events, campaigning events and have plenty of opportunities for people to volunteer.
Macmillan Cancer Support
Cancer Research UK
Cancer Research UK fund scientists, doctors, and nurses to help beat cancer sooner. A number of bodies work together to ensure that they make the best use of the funds they receive and continue to carry out world-class research. They also provide information on cancer to the public.
Useful contacts and information
Signs and symptoms of cancer:
Spotting cancer at an early stage saves lives, so tell your doctor if you notice anything that isn’t normal for you.
You don’t need to try and remember all the signs and symptoms of cancer – listen to your body and talk to your doctor if you notice anything that isn’t normal for you.
Visit the cancer research website for more information about this