Cancer is a common condition. It is estimated that one in two people will develop some form of cancer during their lifetime. Being aware of general signs and symptoms linked to the condition can help in early detection.
This is important because the earlier a cancer is detected, the better the chances of successful treatment.
Cancer – Signs and Symptoms
It’s important to be aware of any new or worrying symptoms.
Although it’s unlikely to be cancer, it’s important to speak to a GP so they can investigate. Finding cancer early means it’s easier to treat.
If your GP suspects cancer, they’ll refer you to a specialist – usually within 2 weeks.
Prostate Cancer
The prostate is a gland. It is usually the size and shape of a walnut and grows bigger as you get older. It sits underneath the bladder and surrounds the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine (wee) out of the body. The prostate’s main job is to help make semen – the fluid that carries sperm.
The most common prostate problems are an enlarged prostate, prostatitis and prostate cancer.
In the UK, about 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime.
Prostate cancer mainly affects men over 50, and your risk increases with age. The risk is even higher for black men and men with a family history of prostate cancer.
Cervical and Bowel Cancer Screening
Cancer screening is a test that looks for early signs of cancer in people without symptoms.
It can help spot cancers at an early stage, when treatment is more likely to be successful. Cervical screening can even prevent cancer from developing.
Cancer screening is for people with no symptoms at all. If you have symptoms, don’t wait for a screening invitation – tell your doctor as soon as possible.
Cervical Screening
Cervical screening is one of the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer.Cervical screening checks the health of your cervix. It’s not a test for cancer, it’s a test to help prevent cancer.
How cervical screening helps prevent cancer
Cervical screening may check for:
- abnormal cell changes in your cervix – left untreated, this could turn into cancer
- human papillomavirus (HPV) – some types of HPV can lead to cell changes in your cervix and cancer
Bowel Cancer Screening
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland people over the age of 60 are invited to take part in bowel cancer screening. In Scotland, screening starts from age 50. You will be invited to take part in screening every two years until you reach the age of 75.
Each of the screening programmes in the UK use home tests, which look for hidden blood in poo. If you are registered with a GP and within the eligible screening age range, a test will be automatically posted to you, so you can complete it in the privacy of your own home.
Bowel Cancer UK do not provide bowel cancer screening test kits or accept completed kits.
Learning Disability Cancer Information
Below you can find Easy Read Materials and informational videos to help social care staff and family members to help someone with learning disabilities to be screened for cancer.
Mencap have created videos to let you know about cancer screening and also information if you are worried.