CANCER PORTAL

Don't Carry the Worry 

Bladder & Kidney Cancer

Bowel Cancer

Bowel cancer screening aims to detect bowel cancer at an early stage and where there are no symptoms. At this point, treatment is more likely to be effective. 

Bowel cancer screening is available for all men and women aged 60 to 74 years. When the test is due, patients are sent a kit through the post with full and easy instructions. The screening test detects tiny amounts of blood in bowel motions that are not visible.  Tests are carried-out by the patient in the privacy of their home. The kit supplied through the post provides a very simple way of collecting a small bowel motion sample.

This is then placed into a container and returned to the lab in the special envelope provided. The test takes only a few minutes and the results are known in the course of a few days.

Blood can be detected for a number of reasons. For example,  blood can be the result of polyps which are not cancerous but can become so over time. In a small number of cases, blood can be a result of cancer.  If blood is discovered, further tests are carried-out to find the cause.

If you have symptoms of bowel cancer at any age, always see a GP immediately and do not wait for a screening test.

Prostate cancer usually develops slowly. This means that signs may not appear for many years.

Breast Screening

Breast screening is carried out by using x-rays called mammograms to detect cancers at a time when they are too small to be seen or felt.

You'll automatically get your first invite for breast screening between the ages of 50 and 53. Then you'll be invited every 3 years until you turn 71.

If you're a trans man, trans woman or are non-binary you may be invited automatically, or you may need to talk to your GP surgery or call the local breast screening service to ask for an appointment.

You need to be registered with a GP surgery to be invited for breast screening.

Cervical  Screening

Cervical Screening is not a test for cancer. It is a means of preventing cancer by detecting and treating early abnormalities which if left untreated - could lead to cancer in a woman's cervix - (the neck of the womb).

All women between the ages of 25 and 64 years are eligible for the cervical screening test - every three to five years. The programme is run by Primary Care Support England and they will contact patients due for screening by post asking them to contact their surgery.

Once the test has been completed, results are sent directly to the patient - usually within ten to 14 days.

Invitation Schedule

Gynaecological Cancer

Lung Cancer

Prostate & Testicular Cancer

Prostate cancer usually develops slowly. This means that signs may not appear for many years.

Symptoms of prostate cancer usually appear when the prostate is large enough to affect the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the penis. When this happens there may be an increased desire to urinate which may involve straining with a feeling that the bladder has not fully emptied.

Whilst these symptoms should not be ignored, they do not mean that bladder cancer is present.  They could be caused by prostate enlargement.  Early diagnosis of prostate cancer is vital and symptoms should be investigated without delay so that treatment can be commenced and better outcomes achieved.

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers globally, but early detection and prevention can significantly reduce its impact. In this brief overview, we'll discuss what to look for, actions to take if you suspect skin cancer, and essential prevention strategies to protect yourself from harmful UV radiation.

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is a prevalent and potentially life-threatening condition, but with vigilance and knowledge, it's also one of the most preventable forms of cancer. In the UK, where sun exposure might not always seem as intense as in sunnier climates, it's easy to underestimate the risks. However, regardless of climate, skin cancer remains a significant concern.

Types of Skin Cancer

The three main types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. BCC and SCC are more common and typically less aggressive, while melanoma, although less common, can be more dangerous if not detected and treated early.

Signs and Symptoms:

The three main types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. BCC and SCC are more common and typically less aggressive, while melanoma, although less common, can be more dangerous if not detected and treated early.

• Changes in the size, shape, or color of moles or spots on the skin.
• Sores that do not heal.
• Redness, swelling, or other unusual skin changes.
• Itchiness, tenderness, or pain in an area of the skin.
• Bleeding or oozing from a lesion.

Action to Take

If you suspect skin cancer or notice any concerning changes on your skin, don't delay seeking medical advice. Your GP or a dermatologist can perform a thorough examination and, if necessary, arrange further tests or refer you to a specialist for biopsy or treatment.

Prevention Strategies

Preventing skin cancer starts with protecting your skin from harmful UV radiation. Here are some key prevention strategies:

• Sun Protection
  Wear sunscreen with a high SPF, protective clothing, and a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors.
• Seek Shade
  Limit sun exposure, especially during peak hours (10 am to 4 pm).
• Avoid Tanning Beds
  UV radiation from tanning beds increases the risk of skin cancer.
• Regular Skin Checks 
  Perform monthly self-examinations and monitor your skin for any changes.