Look out for early cancer signs
18/04/2007
As the warm days of summer arrive, people around the UK will start to become more aware of how their exposed bodies look after months of languishing under thick layers… but will they be paying as much attention to checking for signs of what is happening on the inside?
To help promote awareness of early cancer detection, Cancer Research UK is launching two versions of a new leaflet, “Wish you knew the signs of cancer?”, designed to give men and women information about some of the most common signs and symptoms of cancer, and encourage anyone experiencing them to visit their doctor.
While these symptoms will usually turn out to be due to something else, if it is cancer, finding it early will offer the best chance of successful treatment. Performing such checks are especially important for older people, as cancer rates rise after the age of 50.
Sara Hiom, deputy director of cancer information at Cancer Research UK, said: “Today, more people than ever are surviving cancer - thanks to early detection. When cancer is found early, it’s easier to treat and many people can be cured. That’s why it’s so important to know what’s normal for your body and to look out for any changes. If you do notice anything unusual, you should see your doctor.”
Symptoms outlined in the leaflets include:
* A cough or croaky voice that lasts longer than three weeks
* Difficulty swallowing or persistent indigestion
* A mouth or tongue ulcer that lasts longer than three weeks
* An unusual lump or swelling anywhere on your body
* A sore that won’t heal after several weeks
* A change in size, shape or colour of a mole
* Problems passing urine
* Blood in your urine
* Blood in your bowel motions
* A change to more frequent bowel motions that lasts longer than six weeks
* Unexplained weight loss or heavy night sweats
* An unexplained pain or ache that lasts longer than four weeks
Women should also look out for:
* An unusual breast change
* Bleeding from the vagina after the menopause or between periods
One man's positive experience of cancer has inadvertently turned him into a published author. Ian, 59, was diagnosed with bowel cancer in December 2005 - despite feeling fit and healthy and leading an active life style. He visited his doctor about an earache, but mentioned during the consultation that he had had a bout of diarrhoea the previous week.
Ian’s doctor performed a rectal examination and advised Ian that he would refer him to a specialist. Ian was told that under a new government initiative, anyone over 55 presenting with these symptoms should be referred and seen within two weeks. Tests showed that Ian’s tumour was low down in his bowel and that it was in an advanced state.
About a year ago Ian started keeping an online diary (facilitated by Cancer Research UK). It’s had over 20,000 hits to date and earlier this year Ian was approached by Spring Hill Publishers to turn the blog into a book. This is now underway and the planned publication date is August. Ian plans to donate a share his royalties to Cancer Research UK.
He said: “The response to my blog – and its subsequent publication as a book - has been extremely positive.”
One entry on Ian’s blog, from Barbara Porter from the St Barnabas Hospice in Sussex, reads: “Your personal contribution will represent a very valuable piece of literature on every Library shelf - and I am asking that it is listed on the required reading list for all my friends, patients, staff and clinical colleagues.”
The two versions of “Wish you knew the signs of cancer?”, one for men and one for women, will be available free of charge from May. You can order online at the weblink below or by calling 020 7061 8333.