Worried about cancer?
Cancer can cause many different symptoms. Most symptoms will not be caused by cancer, but it is important to get new, persistent or unexplained changes checked.
Please contact HESA Medical Centre if you notice something that is unusual for you or a symptom that is not going away.
Possible signs and symptoms can include:
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A new lump or swelling
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Unexplained weight loss
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Unexplained or persistent pain
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Unusual bleeding
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Blood in your urine or stools
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A persistent cough or breathlessness
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A change in your bowel habits
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Difficulty swallowing
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Changes to a mole or your skin
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Persistent bloating
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Unusual tiredness
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Any other change that is not normal for you
These symptoms are common and can be caused by many different conditions. Having one does not mean you have cancer, but it is important to get checked. (cancerresearchuk.org)
If you are concerned about a symptom, please contact the practice rather than waiting for a screening invitation.
NHS Cancer Screening
Cancer screening is offered to people who do not have symptoms and can help find cancer, or changes that may lead to cancer, at an earlier stage.
Cervical screening
Cervical screening is offered to women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64, normally every 5 years.
The test checks for high-risk HPV, which can cause changes to cells in the cervix.
If you have received an invitation, please contact HESA Medical Centre to arrange your appointment. If you previously missed your screening, you do not need to wait for another invitation before contacting us. (nhs.uk)
NHS cervical screening information
Breast screening
NHS breast screening is routinely offered to women from age 50 up to their 71st birthday, usually every 3 years.
Women aged 71 and over are not automatically invited but can contact their local breast screening service to request screening.
If you notice a breast lump, nipple change or another new breast symptom, please contact the practice rather than waiting for your next screening appointment. (nhs.uk)
NHS breast screening information
Bowel cancer screening
NHS bowel cancer screening is offered to people aged 50 to 74 every 2 years.
A home FIT kit is sent by post. The test checks a small sample of stool for traces of blood.
People aged 75 or over can request a screening kit every 2 years by calling the bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 6060. (nhs.uk)
Please complete and return your kit when it arrives.
NHS bowel cancer screening information
Lung cancer screening
The NHS is rolling out lung cancer screening for people at higher risk.
If you are aged 55 to 74 and have ever smoked, you may be contacted by the NHS and invited for a lung health check. Availability depends on the local programme. (nhs.uk)
NHS lung cancer screening information
If your GP makes an urgent cancer referral
If your GP feels that your symptoms need further investigation, they may refer you to hospital using an urgent suspected cancer referral pathway.
An urgent referral does not mean that you have cancer. It means that your symptoms need to be investigated promptly so that cancer can either be ruled out or diagnosed as early as possible.
Please:
- Attend any hospital appointments offered
- Complete any tests requested
- Make sure we have your correct telephone number and address
- Contact us if your symptoms get worse while you are waiting
- Contact the practice if you have not heard about an expected appointment or investigation
Support for people affected by cancer
Hillingdon Hospital Macmillan Support and Information Centre
The Macmillan Support and Information Centre at Hillingdon Hospital provides free support for people affected by cancer, including patients, relatives and carers.
Support includes:
- Confidential one-to-one support
- Information about cancer and treatment
- Benefits and financial advice
- Diet and nutrition information
- Support with keeping active during and after treatment
- Complementary therapies
Telephone: 01895 279169
Email: thh.macmillaninfohillingdon@nhs.net
The centre is located in the Outpatients Department, Hillingdon Hospital. (Hillingdon Hospitals)
Macmillan Cancer Support
Macmillan provides information and practical, emotional and financial support to people living with cancer and their families.
Macmillan Support Line: 0808 808 0000
Open 8am–8pm, 7 days a week. (Macmillan Cancer Support)
Visit Macmillan Cancer Support
Cancer Research UK
Cancer Research UK provides information on cancer symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and living with cancer.
Cancer Research UK – signs and symptoms of cancer
Maggie's West London
Maggie's provides free practical and emotional support to people with cancer and their families.
The West London centre is based at Charing Cross Hospital and is open Monday to Friday. (Maggie's)
Living with and beyond cancer
If you have been diagnosed with cancer or have completed treatment, you can still contact HESA Medical Centre if you need support.
This can include:
- A Cancer Care Review
- Help with ongoing symptoms or side effects
- Emotional wellbeing
- Medication reviews
- Support with work or finances
- Lifestyle and wellbeing advice
- Support for family members or carers
- Signposting to local cancer services
Hillingdon Hospitals also provides personalised cancer care, including holistic needs assessments and care and support planning for people undergoing or completing cancer treatment. (Hillingdon Hospitals)
Don't wait if you are worried
Cancer screening is for people without symptoms.
If you notice a new lump, unexplained bleeding, persistent pain, unexplained weight loss or any other change that is unusual for you, please contact HESA Medical Centre even if you have recently had a normal screening test.