Cancer Support
Managing cancer symptoms and keeping on top of your health
Want to speak to someone?
Sharon Johnson:
I am the Cancer Care Coordinator for patients of Worcester city. I am educated in Health and Social Care and have frontline experience in a wide range of settings.
I support the NHS long term plan to improve both cancer survival and early cancer diagnosis. This involves educating patients about the benefits of cancer screening and being aware of possible cancer symptoms.
If you’d like some extra advice or guidance on getting yourself checked up, or if you need extra help with managing your condition.
What is cancer?
1 in 2 people may develop some form of cancer during their lifetime.
According to the NHS, In the UK, the 4 most common types of cancer are:
Cancer is a condition where cells in a specific part of the body grow and reproduce uncontrollably. The cancerous cells can invade and destroy surrounding healthy tissue, including organs.
What is Cancer Care Map?
Cancer Care Map is a simple, online resource that aims to help you find cancer support services in your local area wherever you are in the UK. Cancer Care Map is run by The Richard Dimbleby Cancer Fund charity. Click on the link below to find out more.
What is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer can develop when cells in the prostate start to grow in an uncontrolled way.
Some prostate cancer grows too slowly to cause any problems or affect how long you live. Because of this, many men with prostate cancer will never need any treatment.
But some prostate cancer grows quickly and is more likely to spread. This is more likely to cause problems and needs treatment to stop it spreading.
Signs and Symptoms
Prostate cancer that’s contained inside the prostate (called localised prostate cancer or early prostate cancer) doesn’t usually cause any symptoms. That's why it's important to know about your risk.
But some men might have some urinary problems. These can be mild and happen over many years and may be a sign of a benign prostate problem, rather than prostate cancer.
Find out more information about the possible symptoms of prostate cancer.
If you think you might be at risk of prostate cancer or are experiencing any symptoms, visit your GP or speak to our Specialist Nurse.
If you’re not sure about what to say to your GP, print and fill out this form and show it to them. This will help you have the conversation.
Cervical Screening - Should I Go?
Cervical screening checks a sample of cells from your cervix for certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV).
These types of HPV can cause abnormal changes to the cells in your cervix and are called "high risk" types of HPV.
If these types of HPV are found during screening (an HPV positive result), the sample of cells is then checked for abnormal changes. If abnormal cells are not treated, they may turn into cervical cancer.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer can have several symptoms, but the first noticeable symptom is usually a lump or area of thickened breast tissue.
Most breast lumps are not cancerous, but it's always best to have them checked by a doctor.
You should also see a GP if you notice any of these symptoms:
a change in the size or shape of one or both breasts
discharge from either of your nipples, which may be streaked with blood
a lump or swelling in either of your armpits
dimpling on the skin of your breasts
a rash on or around your nipple
a change in the appearance of your nipple, such as becoming sunken into your breast
Breast pain is not usually a symptom of breast cancer.
Find out more about the symptoms of breast cancer.
Testicular Cancer
Monthly ball-checks – and why you need them
Although most cancers get more common as you get older, testicular cancer is different. It’s most likely to happen when you’re young or middle aged.
Testicular cancer is the most common cancer of 25 to 49-year-old men (but it happens to younger and older guys too).
If you’re male and aged 15+, a simple monthly ball-check will give you the best chance of beating the disease should it ever happen to you. Here’s how to do it:
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer doesn't always cause symptoms in its early stages. Many of the signs and symptoms can also be caused by other medical conditions but finding lung cancer early can mean that it's easier to treat. So if you notice any symptoms or changes get them checked out by your GP as soon as possible.
The most common symptoms of lung cancer are:
having a new cough or a cough most of the time
getting out of breath doing the things you used to do without a problem
coughing up phlegm (sputum) with blood in it
having an ache or pain in the chest or shoulder
chest infections that keep coming back or a chest infection that doesn't get better
losing your appetite
feeling tired all the time (fatigue)
losing weight
Bowel Cancer Screening - FIT Test
A FIT Test is a Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) to detect small traces of blood within poo that could be a sign of cancer. The kit is sent by post every 2 years to those aged 60 to 74 years. If you are within this age range and have not yet received your kit, please call 0800 707 60 60. Over the next few years, the minimum age is gradually being reduced to 50 so you may receive the kit earlier. You can also call to request a kit if you are aged 75 or over and wish to continue to take part in screening but you will not be sent one automatically.
If you’d like to find out how to carry out your FIT at home, please watch the useful NHS video opposite.
Lifetime Screening
All patients under the NHS are offered multiple opportunities to have themselves screened for possible cancers. Screening is always a choice and never forced upon patients, but if you’re concerned that you may have cancer symptoms, screening is the best way to find out.
You may have certain health conditions which leave you more vulnerable to cancers, or you may have a genetic disposition and want to make sure you’re okay. Whatever the reason, screening is available for you.
Take a look at the videos opposite to find out about the steps involved in cancer screening.
Urgent Cancer Pathway Illustration
The NHS has created a useful easy-read leaflet which shows the pathway of cancer screening. Click the button below to view the leaflet.
Cancer Research UK
Cancer Research UK are an independent charity in the UK. They are the world's leading independent cancer charity dedicated to saving lives through research, influence and information.
They have created a useful leaflet about urgent referrals, which provides heaps of advice on your journey to recovery. Click the button below to access this leaflet.
Signs & Symptoms of Cancer
It’s unlikely that the symptoms you suffer from are signs of cancer, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. If you have any symptoms of a potential cancer, please speak to your GP to get them checked.
Click the button below to visit the NHS website, where you can see potential signs of many different cancers. If you suffer from any of the symptoms, contact your GP for an assessment.