Cancer/Detect Cancer Early

TWICE as many people in Scotland survive cancer compared to 30 years ago

Thanks to earlier detection, research breakthroughs and treatment advances, more people are surviving cancer than ever before.

In fact, the more we share the positives around cancer, the more lives we can save. Together we can turn the Big C into the ‘wee c'.

Cancer. It's not what it used to be.

However, if you're at all worried about a symptom, or you notice any unusual change in your body, don't let fear or embarrassment stop you from getting it checked – visit your GP.

It's probably nothing but if it is something, they have a better chance of successfully treating it if it's caught early.

Signs and symptoms

Below are some potential signs and symptoms of cancer that are worth visiting your GP about.

Remember, having one of these doesn't necessarily mean you have cancer, it could be a sign of something else, but either way it's better to have your concern checked out.

• A new lump in the breasts, testicles or anywhere else that appears or an existing lump that gets bigger
• A sore that doesn't heal up – in the mouth, throat or on the skin
• A mole that changes shape, size or colour
• Any growth that appears on the skin and continues to grow
• Coughing up blood, or blood in the urine or mixed through stools (poo)
• Things that don't clear up, like a cough that doesn't go away, or a pain somewhere that won't settle
• A change in the pattern of going to the toilet
• Unexpected weight loss (when you have not been trying to lose weight)

For more information on other signs and symptoms, visit: www.getcheckedearly.org 

Prehabilitation for Scotland: Small changes make a big difference

Western Isles Cancer Care Initiative (WICCI)

WICCI offers specific support to reduce financial hardship for cancer patients in the Western Isles, and work in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support.  The Macmillan Benefits Service is a benefits advice service for people affected by cancer, their families and carers. It is a partnership between Macmillan Cancer Support and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar. We also work closely with other partner organisations such as The Pension Service, NHS Western Isles, Home Energy Scotland and Tighean Innse Gall. We recognise that for many people money worries and living with a cancer diagnosis are a major cause of stress.

Individuals should get in touch with the WICCI office direct, or speak to their Macmillan Nurse, GP, or anyone else involved in their care.  All applications are assessed by the WICCI Office staff and sent to their Trustees for approval.  Please be assured that all information is treated in the strictest confidence, and assessments of funding are presented to the WICCI Trustees anonymously.

Please do not hesitate to contact the friendly team at WICCI if you have any issues or financial burdens arising from a cancer diagnosis or treatment.  Find out more by telephoning (01851) 706721 or visiting their website at: https://wicci.org.uk/

The Macmillan Benefits Service (Western Isles) recognises that for many people money worries and living with a cancer diagnosis are a major cause of stress and our aim is to ensure that families and carers are applying for the benefits they are entitled to.  As well as offering a free, confidential, impartial and non-judgemental advice service for cancer patients, their families and carers throughout the Western Isles, the Macmillan Benefits Adviser can:

• help you claim all the benefits that you are entitled to
• offer information and advice
• liaise with other agencies on your behalf
• apply for Department for Work and Pension benefits
• apply for Social Security Scotland benefits
• appeal against benefit decisions
• access charitable grants which can help towards fuel costs or mainland travel
• apply for transport concessions such as the Blue Badge or National Entitlement Card.

The service is delivered on a one-to-one basis through visiting you in your home, in hospital or in a setting where you feel most comfortable.  We also work closely with other partner organisations such as The Pension Service, NHS Western Isles, Home Energy Scotland and Tighean Innse Gall.