World Cancer Day - the power of knowledge

World Cancer Day is an international day marked on 4 February to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment.

It's important to contact your GP regarding any new or worrying symptoms such as:

• Coughing, chest pain and breathlessness
• Changes in bowel habits
• Bleeding
• Lumps
• Moles
• Unexplained weight loss
• Tummy or back pain
• Indigestion and heartburn
• Itchy or yellow skin
• Feeling tired and unwell

Cancer - Signs and symptoms - NHS

It is better to get these things checked sooner rather than later so that you can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible. According to Cancer Research UK, early diagnosis means:

• More than 9 in 10 bowel cancer patients survive the disease for 5 years or more
• Almost all women diagnosed with breast cancer will survive the disease for at least 5 years
• More than 9 in 10 women diagnosed with ovarian cancer will survive the disease for at least 5 years 
• Almost 9 in 10 lung cancer patients will survive the disease for at least a year

If you have any concerns at all you should contact your GP who will be happy to help you. Don’t be embarrassed and don’t put it off. If it is an emergency, attend your local emergency department immediately. If you are unsure about the accuracy of the medical treatment you have received, our expert team is on hand to listen.