GP visit can stop the Big C in its tracks

GP visit can stop the Big C in its tracks.

Finding cancer early improves our chances of successful treatment and long-term survival.

This Warrior’s Wellbeing Article was written by “Brendan and the Team” and was published in the Toodyay Herald in November 2018.

MEN IN Australia are much more likely to be diagnosed with and die from cancer than women.

According to the Cancer Council of WA the lifetime cancer risk is one in two for men and one in three for women.

Men are over-represented in all gender shared cancers including the most common (lung, bowel and skin) so it begs the question of why the gender disparity?

There is no simple answer but we know that men in general are less likely to visit their GP to report or act on any unusual symptoms or changes.

Cancer is a disease driven by changes in our DNA/genes and it usually occurs in a the body.

Finding cancer early improves our chances of successful treatment and long-term survival.

For the average bloke general things that warrant a chat with a GP could include: unusual lumps or a sore that isn’t healing properly; unusual changes in the testicles; a persistent cough, hoarseness or coughing up blood; unexplained weight loss; moles that have changed shape, size or colour, or bleed, blood in a bowel motion, and persistent changes in toilet habits or urinary problems/changes.

It is important to note that these symptoms are likely to be related to more common, less serious health problems.

However, we still need to discuss them to ease our concerns or pick up something early rather than later.

Unfortunately, it is often only when blokes actually start to think about modifying their behaviour and making healthy changes.

To prevent or lessen our chances of developing cancer we need to stop smoking, be sun smart, stay in shape, move more, eat a healthy diet, limit alcohol, have a chat with our GP about our prostate especially if we are over 45 years; use the Bowel Screen Kit, and get to know our family history of cancer.

Remember it’s our health, if we have any concerns or questions, we need to go and chat with a GP – don’t wait and leave it until it’s too late.

Visit the Toodyay Herald website here