Cancer
Overview
Cancer is a condition where cells in the body grow in an uncontrolled way. Speak to a GP if you notice any symptoms that are not normal for you.
Symptoms
Different types of cancer all have their own symptoms. General symptoms which could be a sign of cancer can include: a new lump or swelling anywhere on your bodysweating a lot (particularly at night) or a high temperature that lasts a long time or keeps coming backfeeling more tired than usualunusual bruising or bleeding (such as bleeding from your bottom, blood in your pee or vomiting blood)pain anywhere in your body that's not usual for youlosing weight without trying or feeling less hungry than usualneeding to pee more often or more urgently, or pain when you pee Other symptoms of cancer may affect specific parts of the body. Skin symptoms can include: a new mole, or changes to a mole anywhere on your bodychanges in your skin, such as a rash or sore that does not get betterthe whites of your eyes or your skin looking yellow (jaundice) – yellow skin may be harder to see on black or brown skin Digestion symptoms can include: heartburn or indigestion that's frequent, very painful or gets worsea swollen tummy (bloating) that happens often or lasts a long timechanges in your poo, such as needing to poo more or less often than usual, diarrhoea or constipation that does not get better or gets worse Mouth and throat symptoms can include: problems swallowinga hoarse or croaky voice that does not get bettera sore or ulcer in your mouth that does not get betterwhite or red patches in your mouth Lung and breathing symptoms can include: a cough that does not get better or gets worseshortness of breath that does not get better or gets worsecoughing up blood Vagina or penis symptoms can include: vaginal discharge that's not usual for youunusual vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding between periods or after sex, or bleeding after the menopausedifficulty getting an erectionblood in your semen
Causes
Anyone can get cancer and it's not always clear what causes it. But there are things that can increase your risk of getting certain types of cancer. These can include: getting olderother people in your family having certain cancersyour lifestyle – such as smoking, being overweight, exposure to too much sun and drinking too much alcoholhaving certain viruses – such ashuman papillomavirus (HPV)or hepatitishaving certain conditions – such as severe acid reflux or Lynch syndrome (a condition that runs in families)the environment where you work or live – such as exposure to asbestos or air pollution
Treatment
The treatment you'll have depends on the type of cancer. The most common treatments for cancer include: surgery to remove the cancerchemotherapy, which uses medicines to kill cancer cellsradiotherapy, which uses radiation to kill cancer cells Treatment can also involve: immunotherapy, where medicines are used to help your immune system kill cancerhormone therapy to help stop or slow down the growth of cancer You'll be looked after by a team of specialists who will work with you to create a treatment plan that is best for you.
Prevention
You cannot always prevent cancer, but there are things you can do to reduce your risk of getting some types of cancer. have cancer screening when you're invited – such ascervical screening,breast screening (mammogram)orbowel cancer screening have theHPV vaccineorhepatitis B vaccineif you're offered them speak to a GP aboutgenetic testing for cancer risk genesif a type of cancer runs in your family, a relative has been told they have a faulty gene linked to cancer, or you have 1 or more Jewish grandparents try tocut down on alcoholand avoid drinking more than 14 units a week try tolose weightif you're overweight, or keep to a healthy weight try toquit smoking follow advice onsunscreen and sun safety, such as wearing sunscreen of at least 30 SPF and spending time in the shade, to protect your skin eat a balanced diet be physically active– aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity a week