Reduce your risk - Know your body
Nobody knows your body better than you. If you think something is wrong, get it checked out as soon as you can. Finding problems early can save your life.
10 signs and symptoms that you shouldn’t ignore
1. A mass or lump that’s been there for a few weeks or is growing. Make sure you check your boobs and balls regularly for any changes.
The charity CoppaFeel has a great video telling you all about how to do a breast self check, and what to look out for.
Don’t be shy, have a feel once a month! Squeeze, prod, cup, squish, press, jiggle – whatever you need to do to check yourself out.
Don’t forget – everyone, of every gender, has breast tissue, so everyone needs to check themselves.
So busy grabbing life by the balls that you have no time to check your own? It only takes 5 minutes, and finding problems early can save your life.
Not sure what to do? A volunteer got his kit off live on TV to show you how to check yourself.
Luckily, checking your balls can be (we mean, definitely should be!) done in the privacy of your own home. Probably doesn’t seem as scary now, in comparison to being naked on national telly, right?
2. Unexplained weight loss (losing weight without trying to)
3. Pain
4. A change in your bowel or bladder habits – blood in your pee or poo, not emptying your bladder properly, having difficulty peeing, or peeing more than usual
5. Fatigue (more than just feeling tired after a busy day – does your tiredness limit your daily activities?)
6. A sore that doesn’t heal
7. Any skin changes, or changes to a mole or wart
8. Unusual bleeding or discharge
9. Indigestion or trouble swallowing
10. Persistent cough or hoarseness
Having any of these doesn’t always mean that you have cancer, but they are signs and symptoms which you should get checked out by your GP straight away. Even if you’re due a screening appointment soon, if you think something is wrong, don’t wait! Speak to your GP as soon as you can.
