For further information relating to national Cancer campaigns - 'Be Clear on Cancer', screening & patient awareness', please use the links below:
Bowel Cancer
Knowing the symptoms of bowel cancer could save your life, If you have any concerns or if things just don’t feel right, make an appointment to see your Doctor.
- Bleeding from your bottom and/or blood in your poo
- A change in bowel habit lasting for three weeks
- Unexplained weight loss
- Extreme tiredness for no obvious reason
- A pain or lump in your tummy
Simple bowel cancer home testing kit to be offered to all men and women aged 60 to 74 - see: www.gov.uk/government/news/new-bowel-cancer-screening-test
What is a FIT test?
The Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) detects traces of human blood in stool samples. The test is simple to use and can be done at home. It is now being used as the primary test in the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme.
Further information about the FIT test [EXTERNAL PDF LINK]
Other Useful Links
www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk
New symptoms diary for patients experiencing bowel problems
A new symptoms diary has been developed by Beth Purvis, for people that are worried about their bowel habits. www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/news-and-blogs/news/download-our-brand-new-symptoms-diary
Beth was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer at 37 years old. The main symptoms she experienced were constipation and diarrhoea with significant bleeding from her bottom. Her GP put it down to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), but Beth believes if she was keeping a diary of her symptoms her GP would have taken her seriously and referred her for further testing sooner. She may have been diagnosed at an earlier stage when treatment has the best chance of working and a greater chance of survival.
The symptoms diary, pioneered by Beth and supported by Coloplast, aims to help keep track of a person’s symptoms before they visit their GP. This will give a good indication to your doctor whether you need further tests. You may not remember all your symptoms during your appointment so having something written down can be useful.
Every year almost 42,000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer in the UK, making it the fourth most common cancer and second biggest cancer killer. However it shouldn’t be because it is treatable and curable especially if diagnosed early. Although bowel cancer is more common in the over 50s it can affect people of all ages, more than 2,500 people under 50 are diagnosed with the disease in the UK every year.
Breast Cancer
Please call 01992 560001 to speak with the Epping Breast Screening Service based at St Margarets Hospital.
Cancer Education Programme
Don't leave it any longer to find out more about Cancel Out Cancer, or to volunteer to deliver sessions to your community - call 01707 685 397 or email enhertsccg.engagement@nhs.net
More information can be found at hertsandwestessex.icb.nhs.uk/stay-well-1/cancel-cancer
Cervical Screening
A cervical screening test (previously known as a smear test) is a method of detecting abnormal cells on the cervix. The cervix is the entrance to the womb from the vagina.
Detecting and removing abnormal cervical cells can prevent cervical cancer.
To opt out of Cervical Screening:
Patients
CSAS does not communicate directly with patients other than through the submission of the following forms:
Cervical Smear Results
Norfolk and Norwich University NHS Foundation Trust Cytology Service will provide patients with results via a letter. Please note this can take up to 6 weeks.
Head and Neck Cancer
Prostate Cancer
Look Good Feel Better
We would like to make you aware of a Look Good Feel Better (LGFB) workshop service held at Rivers Hospital.
The workshop helps ladies to face cancer with confidence.
The workshop will deliver key advice on the following topics:
- Step by step skin and makeup guides.
- Hand, nail care
- Hair loss advice
- Wigs advice
- Yoga classes
- Body confidence seminars
Workshops are all free and take place in the Chemo ward at Rivers Hospital, High Wych, Sawbridgeworth, Herts, CM21 0HH
Lunch will be provided for all attendees.
Visit the Look Good Feel Better website to book: lookgoodfeelbetter.co.uk/workshops
Lung Cancer
Skin Cancer
We would like to promote awareness about skin cancer prevention and early detection of changes in moles.
Dermatologists identified that 8 out of 10 people are failing to adequately apply sunscreen before going out in the sun.
Key messages are:
- Be sun aware - use sun screen before going out into the sun
- Be mole aware – monitor existing moles for changes
Useful Links