Cancer is not one disease with one treatment… there are approximately 200 different types of cancer, each has its own name and its own treatment and many different symptoms of cancer for each type.

Knowing how your body normally looks and feels, can help you be aware of any changes that could be caused by cancer.

It is extremely important that you are aware of any unexplained changes to your body, i.e. the appearance of a lump, blood in your urine or stools, a change to your normal bowel habits. All of these symptoms could be something other than cancer, but you should see your GP as soon as possible, so they can investigate the symptoms you are suffering and make a diagnosis and see if cancer treatment is needed.

Remember:

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

Below are a number of signs and symptoms that could be due to Cancer:

Lump in your breast:

You should see your GP if you notice a lump (no matter how small) in your breast as this is one of the main signs of breast cancer. Also, if you have had a lump that was not cancerous, but has started to increase in increase in size (no matter whereabouts in your body), once again, see your GP as soon as possible.

Coughing, Chest Pains and / or Breathlessness:

If, at any time, you have a cough that continues for more than three weeks, see your GP as this could be a cancer sign.

Symptoms like shortness of breath or chest pain could be a sign of a severe condition, such as pneumonia, and you MUST see your GP as soon as possible.

Changes in Bowel Habits:
If you suffer from any of the signs listed below, for more than three weeks, see your GP:

• Blood in your stools
• Pains in your stomach or your back passage
• Feelings of persistent bloating (fullness) in our stomach
• Even though you have emptied your bowels, you still feel you have not emptied them
• If you suffer from diarrhoea or constipation for no reason
  These being the main symptoms of bowel cancer

Bleeding:
You should always see your GP if you have any unexplained bleeding:

• Bleeding between periods
• Blood in your stools
• Blood from our back passage
• Blood when you vomit
• Blood when you cough

SUPPORT GROUPS:

There are many support groups for sufferers, and their family and friends who are in need of cancer help, 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 support groups.

 If you go to your doctor with any of these symptoms, but they remain, it is very important to see your doctor again!