Every year over 150,000 people die from cancer in the UK, and it is estimated that at least 5,000 deaths could be prevented by diagnosing the disease earlier. Cancer Research UK is encouraging people to be more aware of what is normal for their body so that they can spot the vital early signs of the disease, when treatment is often simpler and more likely to be effective.
Myth: “There’s no point trying to diagnose cancer earlier”
Fact: The earlier that cancer’s diagnosed, the simpler the treatment’s likely to be and the more likely it is to be successful. We know that people have a better chance of surviving cancer if it’s found at an early stage. So finding cancer sooner rather than later can make a real difference. For example, research suggests that over 90 per cent of bowel cancer patients will survive for more than five years if the disease is diagnosed at the earliest stage.
Myth: “All you need to do is know which signs and symptoms to look out for”
Fact: Experts have agreed on some of the most important warning signs and symptoms of cancer to look out for. See www.spotcancerearly.com for details. But because there are more than 200 different types of cancer, there are lots of other signs and symptoms a person with cancer could develop. So it’s important that people get to know their own body and what’s normal for them – that way it’ll be easier to notice changes that could be early signs of cancer.
But, if you develop one of the symptoms or notice something unusual, it doesn’t mean that you’ve definitely got cancer. It means that you should make an appointment with your doctor and let them know what’s happening. In most cases these symptoms won’t be caused by cancer, but it’s better to play safe.
Myth: “Lumps and swellings are the only things I need to look out for”
Fact: With over 200 types of cancer there are many possible signs and symptoms. Lumps and swellings are important, but they’re not the only things to look out for. Other warning signs include a sore that won’t heal, a persistent cough that lasts for more than three weeks, blood in your urine, unexplained weight loss or heavy night sweats, or a mole that changes in size, shape or colour. See www.spotcancerearly.com for more information. And remember having one of these symptoms doesn’t mean you’ve definitely got cancer, it is more likely to be something much less serious, but it’s important to get checked out.
Myth: “I’ve noticed something different about me but I feel perfectly healthy so there’s no point seeing my doctor”
Fact: If you’ve noticed something different about your body, or have got one of the possible warning signs or symptoms of cancer, it’s important that you see your doctor. How we look or feel isn’t always a good indicator of what’s going on inside our bodies, so getting the advice of your doctor even if you don’t feel ill or unwell is really important.
Myth: “I don’t have any symptoms, so taking part in screening is a waste of time”
Fact: There are currently three screening programmes in the UK, for breast, cervical and bowel cancer. The NHS screening programmes are designed to detect cancer early, when treatment is often simpler and more likely to be effective, and save thousands of lives each year. The screening programmes work by detecting changes before symptoms have a chance to develop, so it is really important to take part when invited, even if you feel perfectly healthy.
Myth: “I’ve taken part in screening so I don’t have to worry about seeing my doctor if I notice anything unusual”
Fact: Screening saves lives, so it’s important to take part when you’re invited. But even if you take part in screening, it’s still important that you get to know your body and see your doctor if you notice any unusual changes.
Myth: “I’m over 70 and too old to go for screening”
Fact: Although you will no longer receive an automatic invitation for breast or bowel screening if you are over 70, you are entitled to it. Talk to your GP about organising it.
Myth: “Cancer is a death sentence”
Fact: More people than ever before are surviving cancer, and survival rates have doubled in the last 30 years. Mortality rates for breast, bowel and male lung cancer – some of the most common cancers with more than 100,000 people being diagnosed with these kinds of cancer every year – are at their lowest since 1971. We know that more people survive cancer if it is found at an early stage.
For more information about the signs and symptoms of cancer, visit www.spotcancerearly.com.
