1 in 2 people will develop cancer in their lifetimes. If you are identified as having a genetic condition that increases your risk, your healthcare team will speak to you about ways of reducing your risk. However, even people who do not have increased genetic risk should be on the look out for symptoms and signs of cancer. Make yourself familiar with these using these resources.
Cancer Research UK cancer symptoms
Macmillan: signs and symptoms of cancer
Prevention is better than cure. Have a look at this website for information about how you can make easy lifestyle choices to reduce your risk of developing cancer:
Macmillan: cancer causes and risk factors
Get to know your bits- you know your body better than anyone. Regularly check yourself for any changes and if something isn’t right, speak to your GP about it. Advice about how to check your breasts, testicles and moles can be found here:
Breast Cancer UK: check your breasts
Baggy Trousers UK: check your nuts
Melanoma UK: skin checks and ABCDE of melanoma
The NHS also offers a regular screening service for certain types of cancer. Information about what screening is testing for and who is eligible can be found here:
NHS: screening and earlier diagnosis
If you have a diagnosis of Lynch Syndrome, your healthcare professional may speak to you about taking Aspirin to reduce your risk of bowel cancer. More information about this can be found here:
NICE: Lynch syndrome: should I take aspirin to reduce my chance of getting bowel cancer
If you have Lynch Syndrome, take this checklist to your GP to discuss at your annual review.
[Checklist graphic]