Story: Chetna Patel – NHS Sheffield
In the Cancer Awareness Project, I’ve been talking to people in community groups, schools, GPs surgeries and at local events.
It’s been great working back in Burngreave again, meeting old faces and new ones. I’ve been privileged to meet community members and to hear their stories about cancer. It’s still a taboo subject and can be a very scary subject to talk about. However, treatments are getting better and people are recovering better from cancer. In Burngreave, some people are unaware of screening programmes so it’s important to tell them so they can participate.
At over 20 different groups and venues, I received lots of positive feedback:
“After this session I will go and ring for my home test kit.”
“I understand better now what the signs are for cancer.”
“She covered embarrassing information in a sensitive way.”
“I didn’t know about the breast cancer screening programme until today’s session.”
“I will check my breasts regularly now.”
“I would not have got this information anywhere else.”
“Information given in a friendly manner, thank you.”
Remember to be Cancer Aware
We can’t do anything about getting older but we can minimise the risks. We recommend you:
Know what is normal for you,
Familiarise yourself with the main symptoms of cancer.
Self examine regularly (particularly your breasts or testicles and skin)
Participate in cancer screening programmes and
Report any changes, however vague, to your doctor. DON’T DELAY
Don’t just put changes down to getting older.
Reduce your risk of cancer:
Maintain a healthy balanced diet and weight,
Keep as active as you can,
Moderate your alcohol intake and,
Stopping smoking is the single biggest thing you can do to reduce your risk.
For further information and advice on cancer contact:
Macmillan support line free on 0808 808 00 00 or visit http://www.macmillan.org.uk
Breast Cancer Care helpline 0808 800 6000 or visit http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk
Cancer Research UK at http://www.reducetherisk.org.uk