I am an Irish General Practitioner and these are Cancer Signs and Symptoms you must not ignore
ONE in two people in Ireland will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives, but if diagnosed early, there is a better chance of recovery.
The stage of cancer diagnosis is the single most important factor in survival for most major types of cancer – and it’s important for the Irish to know the signs.
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dr Una Kennedy, Dublin-based HSE NCCP GP and GP Advisor, said there are five signs you shouldn’t ignore and get checked out by your doctor.
She said: “If you notice symptoms like:
- A new cough that lasts more than three weeks
- shortness of breath more than is normal for you
- A new or changing lump
- Unexplained weight loss
- Unexplained bleeding
“Have it checked by your GP immediately.”
Some other symptoms to look out for include persistent heartburn or indigestion, a new/changed birthmark, or a recurrent breast infection.
Cancer is Ireland’s leading cause of death, accounting for around one in three deaths, according to the HSE.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Ireland, but survival is strongly influenced by the stage of diagnosis.
Seven out of 10 people diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer survive at least a year after diagnosis.
People diagnosed with stage 1 breast, ovarian, and colon cancer may have a five-year survival rate.
You should call your GP right away if you notice any of the following:
- A new cough that lasts more than three weeks
- A change to a cough you’ve had for a long time
- shortness of breath more than is normal for you
- Chest infections that keep coming back
- A new or changing bump or lump on your body, e.g. B. a lump in the chest or neck
- Unusual or unexplained bleeding from any part of your body, e.g. B. coughing up blood, blood in your stool or urine, vaginal bleeding between periods, after sex or after menopause
- I feel very tired all the time
- Persistent change in bowel habits
- Persistent heartburn or indigestion
dr Heather Burns, Public Health Medicine Specialist, HSE NCCP, added: “When cancer is caught early, before it has grown larger or spread to other parts of the body, it is easier to treat and there is a better chance of one.” curative treatment and long term survival.
“Stage at diagnosis is the most important determinant of survival for most major tumor types.
“Increasing the proportion of cancers diagnosed at an early stage (Stage I or II) is an important step towards improving cancer survival rates in Ireland.”
The HSE National Cancer Control Program is today launching the first Early Diagnosis of Symptomatic Cancer Plan 2022-2025 which aims to provide a strategic, comprehensive approach to increasing the number of symptomatic cancers being diagnosed early in Ireland.
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https://www.thesun.ie/health/8775030/irish-gp-cancer-signs-symptoms-you-must-not-ignore/ I am an Irish General Practitioner and these are Cancer Signs and Symptoms you must not ignore