Prevention is Better than Cure

This well-known health saying is no more true than when we talk about cancer. People are more aware of different types of cancer and do more for prevention or early diagnosis of breast, skin, prostate or lung cancer.  Public Health England has started a campaign focusing on the possibility of diagnosing kidney cancer in the early stages.

Early detection results in a  survival rate close to 97%. To ensure early detection, get familiar with the symptoms, especially if you have a family history of any cancer. If you spot blood in your urine, even once, do not hesitate and contact your GP. Chances are that it is nothing serious so there is no reason to panic, but as the proverb goes, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

The other possible warning signs could be:

• Needing to urinate very often or suddenly
• Pain while urinating
• Pain below the ribs that don’t go away
• A lump in your stomach

These symptoms can also indicate a number of urinary and systemic illnesses so do not ignore it if it doesn’t feel right – see a doctor.