Cancer

One or more sections on this page provide access to easy-read information - look out for this logo.

Cancer is a condition where cells in the body grow in an uncontrolled way. Speak to a GP if you notice any symptoms that are not normal for you.

Many types of cancer can be treated and cured, especially if they are diagnosed at an early stage.

To make sure that you are diagnosed early everyone is recommended to:

Know the signs and symptoms that should tell your GP about.
Watch out for your invitations for free NHS cancer screening which include breast cancer, bowel cancer, cervical cancer, and lung cancer.
Look at the information below about the things you can do to reduce your risk.

Reducing your risk of cancer

You cannot always prevent cancer, but there are things you can do to reduce your risk of getting some types of cancer.

Have cancer screening when you're invited – such as lung cancer screening, cervical screening, breast screening (mammogram), bowel cancer screening.
Have the HPV vaccine or hepatitis B vaccine if you're offered them.
Speak to a GP about genetic testing for cancer risk genes if a type of cancer runs in your family, a relative has been told they have a faulty gene linked to cancer, or you have 1 or more Jewish grandparents.
Try to cut down on alcohol and avoid drinking more than 14 units a week.
Try to lose weight if you're overweight, or keep to a healthy weight.
Try to quit smoking.
Follow advice on sunscreen and sun safety, such as wearing sunscreen of at least 30 SPF and spending time in the shade, to protect your skin.
Eat a balanced diet.
Be physically active – aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity a week.

Our OneYou services can provide support on cutting down on alcohol, stopping smoking, losing weight and getting active.

London Breast Screening Service – information about the breast screening service in London.

Home - NW & SW London Lung Cancer Screening – Lung cancer screening for North West London.

Bowel cancer screening | Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust – Bowel cancer screening for Westminster and Kensington and Chelsea.

Cervical cancer screening – contact your GP.

The NHS website provides detailed information on all of the main types of cancer and the treatments available.

Cancer Research UK provide advice on how to Spot Cancer Early, with advice on how patients, their relatives and loved ones, and other professionals, can spot the signs of common cancers quickly.

Macmillan Cancer Support improves the lives of people affected by cancer. They provide practical, medical and financial support and push for better cancer care.
They have the MacMillan Cancer Care Navigator service, in partnership with Imperial College NHS Trust, to provide a single contact number to deliver a better experience for people with cancer in north west London - tel 020 3313 0303

Marie Curie Cancer Care provide free nursing care to cancer patients and those with other life-limiting illnesses in their own homes.
Depending on your situation you may find it useful to look at our pages on Pain management and End of life care.

Breast Cancer Now are a charity funding breast cancer research in the UK, campaigning to improve survival rates and educating all women to recognise the signs and symptoms of the disease.

Prostate Cancer UK provide information on cancer, are well-known for their yearly Movember fund-raising campaign.

The Easy Health website has gathered together various easy-read leaflets and videos which will help people with learning disabilities to understand more about cancer.