[Animation] Cancer: awareness, screening and prevention

How can I check for signs of skin cancer?

Regularly checking your skin and moles for any changes can help detect skin cancer  at an earlier stage. Ideally you should check your skin at least once a month.

Always get a mole checked if it:

• changes shape
• gets bigger
• changes colour or becomes darker
• starts itching, crusting, flaking, or bleeding

If you notice any new lumps on your skin - or sore, scaly patches – it’s always best to get it checked out.

How can I check my testicles?

You should regularly check your testicles for any lumps or changes. Testicular cancer is easier to treat if you find it early.

Check your testicles when you’re warm and standing up, or after having a shower or bath.

Roll each testicle between your thumb and finger and check for any lumps, changes in size or swelling. Always contact a GP if you find anything unusual or have pain in either testicle.

How can I check my breasts?

Checking your breasts regularly (monthly), helps you know what’s normal for you. Look at each breast and nipple to check for any changes in size or shape. This includes whether:

• your nipple has sunken or become inverted (turns inwards)
• or if there is any fluid (discharge) or blood coming from one or both nipples

Check your skin for any:

• redness
• rashes
• dimpling
• puckering

Feel for any lumps or painful areas. Use the flat part of your fingers to gently work around each breast, pressing in small, circular motions.

Always see a GP if you notice any unusual changes.

What cancer screening is available?

Breast screening

Breast screening aims to find breast cancers  early, when they have the best chance of being cured. Anyone aged between 50 and 71, will be invited for breast screening every three years. You'll get a letter in the post inviting you. Breast screening uses a test called mammography, which involves taking x-rays of your breasts.

Cervical screening

In England and Northern Ireland, all people with a cervix aged 25 to 49 will be invited for a cervical screening appointment every three years. People aged 50 to 64, and those who live in Scotland and Wales, receive invitations every five years.

Cervical screening is commonly called a smear test and checks the health of your cervix. A sample of cells is taken and tested for types of human papillomavirus (HPV) which can cause changes to your cells that lead to cervical cancer.

If you have abnormal cells, these can be treated before they can develop into cervical cancer. As well as going to cervical screening appointments, look out for symptoms such as:

• abnormal vaginal bleeding – for example, bleeding between periods, after you have sex or after you’ve been through the menopause
• a vaginal discharge, which may smell unpleasant and have blood or mucus in it
• pain when you have sex
• pain in your pelvis or back
• in later stages, leg swelling or pain

See your GP if you have these symptoms, don’t wait until your screening appointment. They might be due to other conditions but it’s best to make sure.

Bowel screening

UK bowel cancer screening programmes send a bowel cancer home testing kit every two years to eligible people. The age will vary depending on where you live in the UK.

• In England, Scotland, and Wales bowel screening is offered to men and women aged between 50 and 74.
• In Northern Ireland, bowel screening is offered to men and women aged between 60 and 74.

If you’re over 75, you can request a screening kit by calling the bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 6060 or see your GP if you have any symptoms.

Bowel screening uses a test called a faecal immunochemical test (FIT). In your testing kit you’ll find a small stick which is used to collect a sample of your poo. It will come with full instructions, guiding you step by step on how to collect and return your sample correctly. The sample will be checked for small traces of blood.

Always see a GP if you have any of the following bowel cancer symptoms.

• Bleeding from your bottom or blood in your poo.
• Changes in your bowel habits.
• Persistent pain or bloating in your tummy.
• Fatigue or weight loss for no apparent reason.

Lung cancer screening and symptoms

There isn’t a national screening programme for lung cancer yet but one is being developed. When it’s introduced, anyone aged 55 to 74 who smokes or used to smoke will be invited. The screening will involve a CT scan. This takes X-rays to create pictures of your lungs.

You should see your GP if you have any symptoms. Lung cancer symptoms include:

• a cough that doesn’t go away
• coughing up blood
• shortness of breath
• pain in your chest
• losing weight for no reason
• feeling very tired
• losing your appetite
• hoarse voice

PSA testing for prostate cancer

A PSA test is a blood test that measures the amount of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in your blood. A raised PSA level may suggest you have a problem with your prostate, but not necessarily cancer.

This is why it’s not offered as part of a national screening programme. But you can request one over the age of 50 through the Prostate Cancer Risk Management Programme (PCRMP). You may also be offered a PSA test as part of a general health check.

There are advantages and disadvantages of having a PSA test. It’s a good idea to learn more about these before deciding to have it. There are certain symptoms to be aware of that can indicate prostate cancer.

Always see a GP if you have any of the following.

• Problems passing urine, such as needing to go urgently or often, or being unable to go at all.
• Blood in your urine.
• Pain when you wee.
• A urine infection.
• Pelvic or back pain.

These are also symptoms of much less serious conditions. But it’s always worth contacting a GP if you have them.

It’s best that signs of cancer are found earlier, so that treatment can be more successful. You can do simple checks at home, as well as being aware of symptoms and seeing a GP if you have any symptoms. And try to attend screening appointments when you get invited.