NHS Leicester City - Worried about cancer

What is cancer?

Cancer is a disease caused by normal cells changing so that they grow in an uncontrolled way. The uncontrolled growth causes a lump called a tumour to form. If not treated, the tumour can cause problems in one or more of the following ways:
Spreading into normal tissues nearby
Causing pressure on other body structures
Spreading to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system or bloodstream

Cancer can present with a variety of symptoms. If you notice any of the symptoms below make an appointment to see your doctor. Experts and doctors agree that these symptoms are the most important ones to look out for and they will be keen to see you if you have noticed any of them.

New Parks and Braunstone are areas with high rates of cancer, particularly breast, lung and bowel. Cancer is usually treatable as long as it is caught early enough. Please click here to complete a short survey which will help us find out the knowledge of local people about the symptoms of cancer and examines the possible reasons why people delay visiting their GP.

Possible signs of cancer for men and women:

An unusual lump or swelling anywhere on your body
A change in the size, shape or colour of a mole
A sore that won't heal after several weeks
A mouth or tongue ulcer that lasts longer than three weeks
A cough or croaky voice that lasts longer than three weeks
Persistent difficulty swallowing or indigestion
Problems passing urine
Blood in your urine
Blood in your bowel motions
A change to more frequent bowel motions that lasts longer than six weeks
Unexplained weight loss or heavy night sweats
An unexplained pain or ache that lasts longer than four weeks

Possible signs of cancer for women:

An unusual breast change
Bleeding from the vagina after the menopause or between periods

In the UK, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women. More than 45,500 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed every year, usually in women over 50 who have reached menopause. However, it is possible for women of any age to get breast cancer and, in rare cases, the condition can affect men.

Types of breast cancer

There are several different types of breast cancer, which can develop in different parts of the breast. The most common is known as ductal breast cancer, which develops in the cells that line the breast ducts. Ductal breast cancer accounts for about 80% of all cases of breast cancer.
Other less common types of breast cancer include lobular breast cancer, which develops in the cells that line the milk-producing lobules, inflammatory breast cancer and Paget's disease of the breast. Breast cancer can spread to other parts of the body, such as the liver, bones or lymph nodes (small glands that remove bacteria from the body).

Breast screening

The exact cause of breast cancer is not fully understood, but many factors increase the likelihood of developing it, including age and family history of breast cancer.
Women who have a higher-than-average risk of developing breast cancer may be offered screening and genetic testing for the condition. As the risk of breast cancer increases with age, all women between the ages of 50 and 70 are entitled to be screened once every three years as part of the NHS Breast Screening Programme.
Breast cancer can be treated using a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Some cases of breast cancer may also be treated using biological or hormone treatments.

If you need to register with a GP to take advantage of the screening reminders, call NHS Leicester City's Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 0116 295 7011.

Alternatively to find your nearest GP click here.

Other useful links

Testicular cancer