Nearly one in two people in the UK will develop cancer in their lifetime, so it’s important to see your GP if you have any concerns. Please don’t panic – it’s important to remember that early diagnosis offers the best chance of recovery, and that cancer treatments are improving all the time.
“It started when I came back from holiday with a cough that wouldn’t go away. I was only in my 30s and cancer was the last thing on my mind. But I’m so glad that I saw my doctor eventually, and was referred for the treatment I needed.”
Different types of cancer all have their own symptoms. General symptoms which could be a sign of cancer can include:
See your GP if you think you have symptoms or changes that are not normal for you and you’re worried could be cancer. If a GP thinks your symptoms could be a sign of cancer, you may get an urgent referral for more tests or to see a specialist in hospital.
Having these symptoms does NOT definitely mean you have cancer. Most of these symptoms are very common and can be caused by other conditions, but it’s important to get checked by a GP. If your symptoms are caused by cancer, finding it early may mean it’s easier to treat.
It is very important that anyone who is eligible attends for screening when invited. The most common screening programmes are for breast cancer (mammogram), cervical cancer (smear test) and bowel cancer (poo test).
Visit the cancer research website to check if you or your relatives are eligible using their screening tool at www.cancerresearchuk.org.
Speak to your GP about genetic testing for cancer risk genes if a type of cancer runs in your family, a relative has been told they have a faulty gene linked to cancer, or you have Jewish grandparents particularly those with Ashkenazi or Sephardi Jewish heritage.
You should also look to have the HPV vaccine or hepatitis B vaccine if you’re offered them.
Remember the staff and volunteers at Cherry Lodge are ready to listen, support and help you in any way they can, so don’t hesitate to pick up the phone or drop in.
Rely on trusted sources like the NHS, Macmillan, or Cancer Research UK, rather than unverified internet searches.
For further information regarding specific symptoms go to:
www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer
If you need tests to investigate whether you have cancer or have been diagnosed with cancer and are waiting for a hospital appointment, the North Central London Cancer Alliance has a very useful support guide providing help and advice on key questions you may like to ask when you go to hospital, and guides you through the process. It can be found at https://cancersupportguide.nclcanceralliance.nhs.uk.
