Know the Signs

We are supporting Wessex Cancer Alliance with their awareness campaign, ‘Know the Signs’.

The aim of this campaign is to improve people’s awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancer.

1 in 2 people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, so it is really important to know what signs to look out for and when to seek advice from your GP Practice. We want to help people identify the warning signs and to know when to seek medical advice.

If more people know the signs of cancer, then more will have a better chance of surviving their cancer.

Survival rates for cancer have improved so much over the last 50 years that we are now seeing approximately 50% of people diagnosed with cancer surviving for ten years or more – this is even more likely if the cancer is diagnosed at an early stage.

Signs

Some of the most common signs and symptoms of cancer are:

• A new lump/bump that wasn’t there before.
• Sudden, unexplained weight loss
• Blood in your poo or your urine
• Feeling tired all the time
• Breathlessness
• Bloating/swelling
• Changes to your skin.

9 times out of ten, your symptoms will not mean you have cancer, but it is better to know as early as possible so you can rule out cancer or get the treatment you need, quickly.

For further information and links to advice and support please visit the dedicated website.