The HSE has this week launched its first Early Diagnosis of Symptomatic Cancer plan and is urging people to act on early signs of cancer such as a new lump, persistent tiredness, unexplained weight loss and changes to bowel movements.
One in two people in Ireland will develop cancer at some point in their lives, and if cancer is diagnosed early, it is easier to treat and there is a better chance of recovery.
The HSE NCCP (National Cancer Control Programme) urges people to know the signs and act early on potential symptoms of cancer.
Read more: Symptoms of mystery hepatitis strain in children that parents need to know
Dr Heather Burns, Specialist in Public Health Medicine, HSE NCCP said: ‘’If cancer is found early, before it has grown bigger or spread to other parts of the body, it’s easier to treat and there is a better chance of curative treatment and long term survival.
"Stage at diagnosis is the most important determinant of survival for most major tumour types. Increasing the proportion of cancers diagnosed at an early stage (Stage I or II) is a key step in improving cancer survival in Ireland.”
Read more: Child dies of acute hepatitis in Ireland as others hospitalised
Dr Una Kennedy, who is a GP based in Glasnevin and also works as GP Advisor to the HSE NCCP, said: "We are urging members of the public to know the signs and symptoms of cancer and call your GP today if you notice any changes or something different for you.
“If you notice symptoms such a new cough lasting for more than 3 weeks, breathlessness more than is normal for you, a new or changing lump, unexplained weight loss or unexplained bleeding, get it checked by your GP without delay.’’
You should call your GP immediately if you notice any of the following:
- A new cough lasting for more than 3 weeks
- A change to a cough that you have had for a long time
- Breathlessness more than is normal for you
- Chest infections that keep coming back
- A new or changing lump or bump on your body, e.g. a breast lump or a lump in your neck
- Abnormal/unexplained bleeding from anywhere in your body, e.g. coughing up blood, blood in your poo or pee, vaginal bleeding between periods, after sex or after the menopause
- A new or changing mole
- Unexplained weight loss
- Constantly feeling very tired
- Persistent change in bowel habit
- Persistent heartburn or indigestion.
Cancer Facts
- Cancer is Ireland’s leading cause of death, accounting for approximately one in three deaths.
- For many cancers, stage at diagnosis is the most important determinant of survival.
- Lung cancer is Ireland’s leading cause of cancer death, but survival is greatly influenced by stage at diagnosis – 7 out of 10 people diagnosed with early stage (stage I) lung cancer survive for at least one year after diagnosis, compared to just 1 in 6 people diagnosed with late stage (stage IV) disease.
- Five year survival for colorectal, breast and ovarian cancer is high for early stage (stage I) disease (95%, 94% and 83% respectively), falling to just 10%, 19% and 15% respectively for late stage (stage IV) disease.
The 'Early Diagnosis of Symptomatic Cancer Plan' defines six high-level priority objectives (outlined below) which will guide the overarching approach to delivery of the Early Diagnosis of Cancer Function, Community Oncology Division, NCCP.
Objectives: Improving early diagnosis of symptomatic cancer in Ireland
- Strategic planning and collaboration – Provide a strategic approach to improving the early diagnosis of symptomatic cancer in Ireland.
- Empower people and communities to recognise and act on signs/symptoms of cancer.
- Support community healthcare professionals to recognise and refer people with signs/symptoms of cancer.
- Identify and address system factors that impact timeliness of diagnosis of symptomatic cancer.
- Identify knowledge gaps and undertake research to inform development of early diagnosis initiatives.
- Monitor and evaluate the implementation and impact of the NCCP Early Diagnosis Symptomatic Cancer Plan 2022 – 2025.
Further information is available on Early Detection of Cancer webpage, HSE NCCP website here
Read more: Dublin nurse, 36, diagnosed with cancer for fourth time
Read more: Signs of cancer that you can see on your fingernails
To get the latest breaking news straight to your inbox, sign up for our free newsletter
