Cancer support

• Keeping yourself well

  Whether you have cancer or not, it is important to keep yourself as healthy as possible.
  Taking steps to improve your health can reduce your risk of getting cancer.
  If you are waiting for cancer treatment, or having treatment, you may be able to minimise the side effects, e.g. tiredness, breathlessness.
  If your cancer treatment has finished, you could minimise the effects of the disease and reduce your risk of the cancer returning.
  
  Websites
  Smokefree Hampshire
  Keeping well
  Eating well with cancer
  Living with and beyond cancer

• Screening

  Cancer screening is the testing of people who are not showing any symptoms, to find signs which could lead to cancer.
  Screening saves thousands of lives each year by detecting cancer in its early stages.
  There is no way to test for every cancer, but in Hampshire there are four national screening programmes in place: for breast, bowel, cervical and lung cancers.
  
  Websites
  Breast screening
  Bowel screening
  Cervical screening
  Lung health check
  Cancer in the LGBTQ+ community

• Know the signs

  1 in 2 people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. It is really important to know what signs to look out for, and when to seek advice from your GP Practice.
  Most people who get cancer will survive for five years or more. This is even more likely if the cancer is diagnosed at an early stage.
  We want to help you identify the warning signs and to know when to seek medical advice. If you know the signs of cancer, you will have a better chance of surviving.
  Find out about the key symptoms of cancer, and the many ways you can help to reduce your risk. It is important to know the signs so you can ensure you get the right help, when you need it.
  
  Website
  Know the signs

• Referrals, diagnosis and treatment

  A fast track referral happens when your GP has concerns that your symptoms might suggest cancer.
  They make a referral to the hospital and an appointment to see a specialist is arranged. The hospital will contact you by telephone to schedule the appointment or any tests you might need.
  It can take several weeks to diagnose cancer accurately. Many common cancer symptoms have other possible causes. Most people who have tests do not have cancer.
  A group of healthcare professionals will be involved in your care. Your consultant will discuss your treatment options with you.
  
  Websites
  Fast track referrals
  Cancer types A to Z
  Cancer treatment & follow-up care

• Cancer support

  Support can be a lifeline for people affected by cancer. There is a wide range of services available.
  The Cancer Care Map is a simple, free, online resource to help you find cancer support services near you.
  To find support groups and services in your area, click on the link below and enter your postcode in the search box.
  
  Website
  Cancer Care Map
  
  Useful national charities
  Macmillan Cancer Support
  Cancer Research UK
  
  Useful local charities
  Cancer Matters Wessex
  The Pink Place & The Blue Space

• Supporting someone with cancer

  When someone close to you has been diagnosed with cancer, you may have many different things to think about.
  You may need help to manage various practical issues. You may have financial concerns if you are unable to work. It can also be important to get help to look after yourself and manage your own feelings.
  You may be a young carer (age 18 or under), you may be caring for someone with cancer and dementia, or you may be caring for someone who is dying and need information about what to expect at the end of life.
  
  Websites
  Supporting someone with cancer
  Carer’s assessment
  Hampshire Young Carers Alliance
  Cancer and dementia
  Marie Curie – end of life care

PSA testing

A PSA test is a blood test to help check for prostate conditions such as prostate cancer or an enlarged prostate.

• NHS: PSA testing

  Information about PSA testing including how to get one and getting your results.
  
  Website
  www.nhs.uk/conditions/psa-test

• Cancer Research: PSA testing

  Read about what health professionals can do to support the timely referral of suspected prostate cancer.
  
  Website
  Cancer Research

• Prostate Cancer UK

  Information about the PSA test – a blood test that can help diagnose prostate problems, including prostate cancer. 
  
  Website
  Prostate Cancer UK

• Cancer Matters Wessex: Prostate cancer campaign

  Raising awareness of prostate cancer with and for black men. Black men are at greater risk of prostate cancer than other men. And from a younger age.
  
  Website
  Prostate cancer campaign