Theme of the Month - Prostate & Breast Cancer

Theme of the Month: Prostate & Breast Cancer

Our Theme of the Month for October is Prostate and Breast Cancer Awareness. This month provides an opportunity to increase awareness, encourage people to become familiar with their bodies and highlight the importance of seeking professional advice if something does not feel right.

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer develops when cells in the breast grow in an uncontrolled way. Being aware of changes in your body and seeking medical advice about anything unusual is important. Cancer symptoms can vary between individuals, and changes can also have causes other than cancer. Macmillan Cancer Support: Understanding cancer symptoms [macmillan.org.uk]

What is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer affects the prostate gland, which is located below the bladder. The NHS explains that prostate cancer can often be treated successfully when diagnosed early. Prostate cancer - NHS [nhs.uk]

It is also important to know that prostate cancer often causes no symptoms at first. When symptoms do occur, they can include changes in urination, although these symptoms can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions. Symptoms of prostate cancer - NHS [nhs.uk]

Why is Cancer Awareness Important?

Knowing what is normal for your own body can make it easier to recognise an unusual or unexplained change. Macmillan Cancer Support advises getting medical advice about changes in how you feel or how your body works that persist for a few weeks. Macmillan Cancer Support: Understanding cancer symptoms [macmillan.org.uk]

Having a symptom does not automatically mean that you have cancer, but unusual or persistent changes should not be ignored.

Seeking Help and Support

If you notice a change in your body, experience symptoms that concern you or are worried about your risk of cancer, speak to a medical professional.

For prostate cancer specifically, the NHS advises speaking to a GP if you are having difficulty urinating, have other possible symptoms or are worried about your risk. Symptoms of prostate cancer - NHS [nhs.uk]