TO mark Cancer Prevention Week (13–19 May 2013) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting some steps that can reduce an individual’s risk of getting cancer.
Dr Miriam McCarthy, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at the PHA, said: “Around 9,000 new cases of cancer are diagnosed each year in Northern Ireland but one third of these could be prevented.”
The PHA has outlined key steps that can reduce your risk of getting cancer:
* xa0 If you smoke, stop. Visitxa0www.want2stop.infoxa0for tips to help you quit;
* xa0 Keep alcohol consumption within safe limits. The websitexa0www.knowyourlimits.infoxa0has more information on this;
* xa0 Eat a healthy balanced diet and take regular exercise to keep your weight within the recommended BMI range. The websitexa0www.choosetolivebetter.comxa0has more information on simple steps that can help you reach and maintain a healthy weight;
* xa0 Avoid getting sunburn – use sunscreen and a hat. Do not use sunbeds;
* xa0 Inform yourself about cancer screening.xa0 There is good information atwww.cancerscreening.hscni.net
Dr McCarthy added: “We know that the stage of disease at the time of a cancer diagnosis can have a significant effect on survival. Northern Ireland has three cancer screening programmes in place to help detect the first signs of cancer, therefore aiding successful treatment. These include cervical, breast and bowel cancer screening. Teenage girls are also offered the HPV vaccine to help protect against cervical cancer.
“As well as this, we also need to increase public awareness of warning signs which need to be investigated to ensure speedy diagnosis.”
Some examples of symptoms which require a visit to your GP are:
•xa0xa0xa0xa0xa0xa0Coughing up blood;
•xa0xa0xa0xa0xa0xa0Having a mole which begins to change, such as getting larger, inflamed or developing irregular edges;
•xa0xa0xa0xa0xa0xa0Starting to bleed again after the menopause;
•xa0xa0xa0xa0xa0xa0Mouth ulcers that have not healed after three weeks;
•xa0xa0xa0xa0xa0xa0Food regularly seeming to stick on the way down when you swallow.
“I would urge everyone to take note of the simple ways to reduce their own cancer risk, and those eligible for cancer screening, to avail of it when invited.” said Dr McCarthy.
For more information on Northern Ireland cancer screening programmes visit: xa0www.cancerscreening.hscni.net
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