Cancer

Over 50s encouraged to check for cancer signs

Look out for a new health campaign taking place across Anglia this summer to help raise awareness of the signs of breast, bowel and lung cancer and to encourage people to see their GP as soon as they spot a possible symptom.

Over 5,000 cases of breast, bowel and lung cancer are diagnosed each year in Anglia and over 50s are the age group most at risk. The good news is that these are also the cancers for which early diagnosis saves the most lives, so it’s important that symptoms are reported to doctors as soon as they appear as this means the cancer can be diagnosed and treated earlier. The problem is that many people don’t know what to look for or put off seeing their GP due to embarrassment or because they are scared of what might be wrong.

Symptoms of bowel cancer can include blood in your poo for more than three weeks or looser stools for more than three weeks. People should go to their GP if they spot any change to their normal bowel habits. There may well be nothing to worry about, but it’s best to get it checked out just in case.

Most people know that a lump in the breast is a reason to go to the doctor, but you should also tell your GP about any changes to your breasts, including pain, nipple discharge or skin dimpling.

We all get coughs from time to time, but if you’ve had a cough for more than three weeks or a cough you have had for a long time changes, let your GP know so they can check it’s not a sign of something more serious like lung cancer.

More information about the symptoms to look for can be found at www.nhs.uk/cancer.