HEALTH AND CARE: Get involved and help to raise awareness of cancer

The Herald & Gazette have joined forces with GP practices in the area which form part of the NHS Coastal West Sussex Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG). This week they talk about the importance of World Cancer Day.
Today is World Cancer Day, a global event to raise awareness about cancerToday is World Cancer Day, a global event to raise awareness about cancer
Today is World Cancer Day, a global event to raise awareness about cancer

Today marks World Cancer Day. The day, which has turned into an annual global awareness raising event, aims to unite the world’s population in the fight against cancer.

In many cultures cancer remains a taboo subject. People living with cancer are often subject to stigma and discrimination, which may stop them seeking care and support.

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This year, local health professionals are encouraging residents from Coastal West Sussex to join in and raise awareness of cancer, the help and support available, and what we can all do to prevent it.

The tagline ‘We can. I can.’, amplifies how everyone as a collective or as individuals can do their part to reduce the burden of cancer.

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, responsible for 8.2 million deaths per year, out of which, four million people die prematurely (aged 30 to 69 years).

Just this year it has been at the centre of the news following the deaths of Sir Terry Wogan, David Bowie and Alan Rickman.

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Cancer affects millions of people around the world every day which is why this awareness day is so important.

Being able to spot the signs of cancer is vital. Changes to your body’s normal processes or symptoms that are out of the ordinary can sometimes be an early sign of cancer.

In many cases, your symptoms won’t be related to cancer and will be caused by other, non-cancerous health conditions.

However, it’s still important for you to see your GP so that they can investigate your symptoms and if needed, help you to get treatment early.

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For a person living with cancer, having support from friends, families, employers and colleagues can make a huge difference.

Also knowing what help and support is available, and how to access it in the simplest way possible can make things easier.

World Cancer Day is a chance to reflect on what we can all do – even the smallest act can have great impact.

For some people, support may be needed over many years after the initial diagnosis as they continue to live with the physical and emotional impacts of cancer even when treatment is finished.

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To find out how you can get involved, visit the World Cancer Day website – www.worldcancerday.org/get-involved

To find out more about cancer and the information and support services available across Coastal West Sussex, visit NHS Choices.

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