Cancer - West Essex
Cancer - protection & prevention
Understand cancer and how to reduce your risk
1 in 2 people will develop some form of cancer during their lifetime but it's a subject no one likes to talk about. We explain what it is and how you can help protect yourself from developing cancer.
Do you know what to look out for? Knowing the signs, can help you detect cancer early. The earlier we diagnose cancer the easier it is to treat.
The NHS run three cancer screening programmes - breast, bowel and cervical screening. They are one of the best ways of finding signs of cancer early, so that they are more treatable. We'll help you understand what screening you are entitled to.
Bowel Cancer Screening
Bowel cancer screening is important as it is one of the best ways to spot bowel cancer before you notice any signs or symptoms. It saves around 2,400 lives each year in the UK.
Regular breast screening is one of the best ways to spot a cancer that is too small to feel or see. It saves around 1,300 lives each year in the UK.
With cervical screening saving so many lives each year, we're taking a closer look at who should be attending and what they need to do, to make sure they're not missing this vital test.
Reducing risks - lifestyle choices
We focus on three areas of your life that can help reduce your risk of getting cancer and developing other long-term conditions.
Common types of cancer
Bowel cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the UK. Understanding signs and symptoms, screening and risks can help you live a healthier life.
Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women in the UK. Understanding signs and symptoms, screening and risks can help you live a healthier life.
Women and people with a cervix and get cervical cancer at any age, however, it is most common in women in their early 30’s. Being aware of symptoms, attending screenings and making the right lifestyle choices can massively reduce your risk.
Around 47,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer every year in the UK. Understanding the risks and symptoms can help you make better health decisions.
Prostate cancer usually develops slowly, so there may be no signs for many years. We explain some of the risks associated with prostate cancer and identify symptoms.
Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world, however, by understanding some of the risk factors and knowing how to spot early signs you can reduce your exposure to skin cancer.
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. There are lots of ways to get involved.
Cancer related events and campaigns
Cancer Awareness Events
Throughout the year, different types of cancer are brought to our attention through national and international awareness campaigns. Here we've collated all of the main events in one place.
Bowel Screening Campaign
Every 2 years all 60 to 74 year olds are sent a free bowel cancer screening kit, unfortunately we've notice that men are falling behind women when it comes to sending back their kits. We want to close this gap and will be launching an advertising campaign in June 2022 to encourage the men of west Essex to return theirs and potentially save lives.
Cervical Screening Campaign
We want our population to have the opportunity of enjoy happier and healthier lives, that's why we launched "You Go Girl" a campaign dedicated to increasing awareness and uptake of cervical screening in west Essex.