Are you cancer-concerned?
Are You Concerned About Cancer?
Cancer can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or lifestyle. While a cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, knowledge and early action can save lives. Understanding the signs and symptoms, knowing your risk factors, attending recommended screenings, and seeking medical advice when something doesn’t feel right can make a significant difference.
At Family Unit Trust, we are committed to raising awareness, reducing health inequalities, and helping communities access trusted information and support.
Remember:
Know the signs. Attend screening. Seek help early. You are not alone.
What is Cancer?
Cancer is a disease that occurs when abnormal cells in the body grow uncontrollably and can spread to other parts of the body. There are more than 200 different types of cancer, and each type may have different symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options. Cancer can affect people of all ages, although the risk generally increases as we get older. Early diagnosis often improves treatment options and outcomes.
Signs and Symptoms of Cancer
Cancer symptoms vary depending on the type and location of the cancer. However, some common warning signs include:
Persistent Fatigue
Feeling unusually tired for a prolonged period despite getting enough rest.
Unexplained Weight Loss
Losing weight without trying or without any obvious reason.
Persistent Pain
Ongoing pain that does not improve or has no clear cause.
Changes in Skin
Changes in skin colour, unusual growths, sores that do not heal, or changes in moles.
Unusual Bleeding or Discharge
Examples include:
• Blood in urine
• Blood in stool
• Coughing up blood
• Unusual vaginal bleeding
• Unusual nipple discharge
Changes in Bowel or Bladder Habits
Persistent constipation, diarrhoea, changes in bowel movements, or changes in urination patterns.
Difficulty Swallowing
Persistent difficulty swallowing or ongoing indigestion.
Persistent Cough or Hoarseness
A cough or hoarse voice that does not improve over time.
Unexplained Lumps or Swelling
New lumps, swelling, or thickening in the breast, neck, lymph nodes, testicles, or elsewhere in the body.
If you notice any symptoms that are unusual for you or that persist for several weeks, contact your GP or healthcare professional.
Cancer Screening
Cancer screening helps detect cancer before symptoms appear. Finding cancer early can increase the chances of successful treatment.
Common screening programmes include:
Breast Screening
Mammograms help identify breast cancer at an early stage.
Cervical Screening
Previously known as a smear test, cervical screening helps detect changes that could develop into cervical cancer.
Bowel Cancer Screening
Home testing kits can help detect signs of bowel cancer before symptoms develop.
Lung Cancer Screening
Available in some areas for people at higher risk of lung cancer.
Prostate Cancer Awareness
Men who are concerned about prostate cancer should speak with their GP about their individual risk and available tests.
Skin Checks
Regular skin checks can help identify changes that may require medical attention.
If you receive an invitation for screening, it is important to attend.
Screening saves lives.
Causes and Risk Factors
There is no single cause of cancer. Most cancers develop as a result of a combination of factors.
Some common risk factors include:
• Age
• Family history of cancer
• Smoking and tobacco use
• Alcohol consumption
• Obesity and physical inactivity
• Poor diet
• Exposure to certain chemicals or environmental factors
• Long-term infections
• Hormonal factors
• Genetic factors
Having one or more risk factors does not mean you will develop cancer. Likewise, some people develop cancer without any known risk factors. For example, Margaret’s daughter was diagnosed with Retinoblastoma, a rare childhood eye cancer, at just eight months old.
Reducing Your Risk
While not all cancers can be prevented, you can reduce your risk by:
• Stopping smoking
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Being physically active
• Eating a balanced diet
• Limiting alcohol intake
• Protecting your skin from excessive sun exposure
• Attending screening appointments
• Knowing your family health history
• Seeking medical advice when something doesn’t feel right