Cancer - Signs & Symptoms
It's important to be aware of any new or worrying symptoms.
Although it's unlikely to be cancer, it's important to speak to a GP so they can investigate. Finding cancer early means it's easier to treat.
Infographic developed by Macmillan Cancer Support and used with permission.
For more information on the signs and symptoms of cancer see links below. If you are worried about any of the signs and symptoms listed on this page or on the following links then please make an appointment with your GP as soon as possible to discuss this further.
Worried about cancer? Cancer signs and symptoms - Macmillan Cancer Support
Cancer - Signs and symptoms - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Signs and symptoms of cancer | Cancer Research UK
Cancer Care Reviews
Being diagnosed with cancer can be a scary and stressful time for you and your loved ones. Personalised cancer care recognises that people with cancer deserve the right care and support to enable them to live well throughout their treatment and beyond.
One way that your GP practice can provide this support is via the Cancer Care review.
If you have received a cancer diagnosis you should be invited to attend this review with your GP or practice nurse at approx 12 mths post diagnosis.
The cancer care review is a chance for you to have a conversation with your GP or practice nurse about your treatment, any issues you may be facing and how we can support you during this time. We understand that you have a lot of appointments during your treatment so this review can be done over the phone if that suits you better.
You may be sent a document called a concerns checklist via a text message prior to the appointment. This is a short self-assessment for you to complete on what issues, both physical, social, and emotional, may be bothering you. During your review we will go through the checklist with you and address any concerns you might have.
If you have not received an invite and think you would benefit from this, please call your practice, and request an appointment for a cancer care review.
For more information on Personalised care and the cancer care review please follow link below:
Personalising your care :: South East London Cancer Alliance (selca.nhs.uk)
Social Prescribing
People living with cancer have varied needs and cancer can affect all aspects of life from relationships to work and finance. Your GP or Practice Nurse can refer you to a team called Social Prescribers who can then provide you with practical advice and help you to access non-clinical local services to help support you with some of these needs.
Cancer Support Services
There are many services available to support you and your loved ones when you have received a cancer diagnosis as well as during any treatment you may have and beyond. You may find some of the following services helpful:
Cancer care map is a simple, online resource that aims to help you find cancer support services in your local area wherever you are in the UK.
Health and Wellbeing Events (HWBEs) are education and support sessions that provide individuals living with or beyond cancer with information to live as healthily and actively as possible after cancer treatment.
SELCA aims to deliver high quality cancer care services across community, primary and secondary care in southeast London. The website contains a range of information and resources designed to help patients, carers and families at all stages of cancer screening, diagnosis and beyond.
Look good feel better is a leading cancer support charity aimed at boosting the physical and emotional wellbeing of people living with cancer. Currently they provide online workshops covering skincare and make-up; grooming, hair loss, haircare, wig advice and nail care.
Talking Therapy - Through BUPA, Macmillan are offering up to six free counselling sessions for people struggling emotionally because of cancer.
Life after cancer brings people together who have finished cancer treatment to form support groups, with an aim to increase their physical, mental, emotional and social wellbeing.
Exercise after cancer - The 12 week Southwark GP Exercise Referral service has been designed to help inactive people that are struggling with their mental and physical health. The Kickstart and Active Boost programmes are both suitable for patients after cancer treatment. Please ask your GP or Nurse to refer you.
Walking Groups - the walks are open to all, last no longer than one hour with shorter distance options available for beginners and those with long term health conditions. If you have any questions please email the scheme coordinator: julieharris@everyonehealth.co.uk
Active you at Guy's & St Thomas' Hospital is a physical activity programme adapted for people living with cancer. The programme offers ongoing support, signposting to options including cancer classes at Guy's Hospital, gym programmes, walking or physical activity groups and one to one cancer rehabilitation.
Please contact them on 020 7188 9654 or email active.you@gstt.nhs.uk
Fatigue Management - The Untire App is based upon scientifically proven methods to reduce fatigue and increase energy. The easy to use program was developed by psychologists, patients and researchers specialised in psycho-oncology. Patients will need a code to access the app. This code can be requested from Macmillan at the link below:
Untire - Macmillan cancer Support