Cancer Symptoms - What to be Aware of


Spotting cancer early is vital when it comes to treatment as there is a higher chance of the cancer treatment being successful. It is extremely important that you are aware of any unexplained changes to your body.

The earlier signs of cancer are found, the greater the chance of being cured!

Below are a number of different signs of Cancer:

Moles:Irregular moles are a sign of cancer

Visit your GP if you have a mole that shows any of the following changes:

  • Shows an irregular or asymmetrical (lop-sided) shape
  • Has an irregular border with jagged edges
  • Has more than one colour (it may be spotted with brown, black, red, pink or flecks)
  • It has grown to be bigger than 7mm in diameter
  • It becomes itchy, crusted and sometimes bleeds

Any ONE of the above signs could show there is a chance you have malignant melanoma, which is skin cancer (even if you do not sunbathe, you could still suffer from this, but there is a much lower chance) 

Unexplained Weight Loss:

If, over the last couple of months, you have lost weight and you have no reason for this, i.e., changes in your diet, extra exercise or suffering from stress, you should see your GP as these are several cancer symptoms. 

SOME CANCER STATISTICS:

New Cases of Cancer in UK 2013 - 352,197

Deaths from Cancer in UK 2012  - 161,823

Survival for 10+ Years England/Wales - 50%

Preventable Cases of Cancer UK - 42% 

LOCAL CANCER INTELLIGENCE (LCI)

The cancer story is ever changing. Currently there are an estimated 2.5 million people living with or beyond cancer in the UK today. By 2030 there will be approximately 4 million.

The Local Cancer Intelligence helps you understand the changing cancer population. It shows you the following for your area:

  • Prevalence
  • Incidence
  • Mortality
  • Survival
  • Patient Experience
  • Routes To and From Cancer Diagnosis

 

To find any the information in your area, please click on the link below:

http://lci.cancertoolkit.co.uk/

SUPPORT GROUPS:

There are many cancer support groups for sufferers, and their family and friends, these include:

Macmillan Cancer Support - www.macmillan.org.uk

Marie Curie Cancer Care - www.mariecurie.org.uk

Being There - www.beingthere.org.uk

Cancer Support Groups & Charities -  www.canceradvice.co.uk/support-groups

These are just a few, there are many more. Check in your local area, speak to your cancer nurse/ GP who will provide you with details of any local cancer help & support groups.



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