Knowing what your breasts look and feel like, by regularly checking them, you will be more likely to notice if something is wrong or different. One of the main symptoms of breast cancer is a lump or thickened breast tissue. Among this you could also notice a change in size of the breast, swelling or rashes. If you come across any of these do not freak out, just be sure to notify a doctor. There is no valid cause for breast cancer but we do know how to prevent risks being increased simply be being healthy through exercise and a balanced diet as well as taking things like alcohol and junk food in moderation. There is also certain contraception that may enhance the amount of oestrogen in your body and therefore increase your chances of breast cancer which may be worth looking into if it is heredity. Cervical cancer is seen in over 2,900 women a year. In the early stages of cervical cancer there may be no symptoms which mean it is important to attend regular cervical screenings especially if it is heredity. The most common symptom of cervical cancer is vaginal bleeding, usually between periods or after sex, they can also include vaginal discharge and discomfort in sex. Ways of increasing your risk for cervical cancer include smoking and long term use of the contraceptive pill. A way to prevent cervical cancer is to get regularly tested and there are also two vaccines they can also help prevent it. Constant vigilance of our bodies will help our health in the long run. Overall, take care of your body as best as you can. If breast or cervical cancer does run in the family and you are worried about this you can discuss this with your local GP who could then refer you to a specialist who can assess your family history and manage your risk. Treatments for cancer are becomingly increasingly more effective. Among them are surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and biological treatments. All of which you can find out about on www.cancerresearchuk.org as well as any other queries you may have about cancer.
