6 Warning Signs of Cancer

by editor | Dec 4, 2011 | Health

 More than 1/3 people in the UK will develop some form of cancer during their lifetime.

The good news is that some cancers can be cured if detected early enough.

The key is to be aware of unexplained changes to your body, and to know the common signs and symptoms of cancer.

While many cancer symptoms are common of other illnesses and usually nothing to worry about, you should see your GP if you have any of the below warning signs.

This is so your GP can check your symptoms and either rule out cancer, or get you treated immediately. You have a better change of defeating cancer if caught early.

Typical signs and symptoms of cancer.

1: A lump

See your GP if you notice a lump anywhere on your body. Your GP will refer you to a specialist for tests if they suspect cancer.

2: Coughing, breathlessness and hoarseness

See your GP if you’ve had a cough or felt breathless for more than two weeks, or if you have blood in your phlegm.

3: Change in bowel habits

See your GP if you’ve experienced one of the below changes and it’s lasted for more than a few weeks:

• blood in your stools
• diarrhoea or constipation for no obvious reason
• a feeling of not having emptied your bowel properly after going to the toilet
• pain in your abdomen (tummy) or back passage

4: Bleeding

See your GP about any unexplained bleeding, such as:

• blood in your urine
• bleeding between periods
• blood from your back passage
• blood when you cough
• blood in your vomit

5: Moles

See your GP if you have a mole that:

• has an irregular or asymmetrical shape
• has an irregular border with jagged edges
• has more than one colour (it may be flecked with brown, black, red, pink or white)
• is bigger then 7mm in diameter
• is itchy, crusting or bleeding

6: Unexplained weight loss

See your GP if you’ve lost a lot of weight over the past months that cannot be explained by your diet, exercise or stress.

Acne Treatments: Weighing up Your Options

by editor | Dec 4, 2011 | Health

There is no single acne treatment that’s best for everyone.

The right treatment for you will depend on many things, such as how severe your acne is and whether you can accept the side effects.

For example, severe acne can often be cleared with a medicine called isotretinoin – but did you know it can cause serious birth defects in women?

If you’re aware of the pros and cons of different acne treatments, you will be fully informed when discussing the best way to clear your spots with your doctor.

So here’s a summary of the main considerations for each treatment.

And when you’ve decided which looks like the right treatment for you, read about how it works, the possible complications of acne, a patient’s account, and the NHS Choices information on acne.

Option 1: Gel or cream to unblock pores and kill bacteria

Pros: available in pharmacies; effective in treating mild acne
Cons: can stain sheets and clothes; can make skin more sensitive to sunlight and cause mild burning, itchiness, redness of skin

Option 2: Vitamin A gel or cream

Pros: effective clearing whiteheads, blackheads and smaller spots
Cons: not suitable in pregnancy; can make skin more sensitive to sunlight and cause mild irritation and stinging of skin

Option 3: Antibiotic gel or cream

Pros: effective treating inflamed spots; less irritation to the skin than other acne creams or gels
Cons: may be less effective on blackheads and whiteheads; can only be used for up to eight weeks due to antibiotic resistance

Option 4: Azelaic acid gel or cream

Pros: effective for mild acne; does not make skin sensitive to sunlight
Cons: month before symptoms improve; can cause mild burning, stinging, dryness, itchiness of the skin

Option 5: Antibiotic medicines

Pros: effective in treating mild to severe acne
Cons: six weeks before symptoms improve; makes contraceptive pill less effective; can only be used for six months due to the risk of antibiotic resistance; can make skin more sensitive to sunlight and cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, mild stomach pains

Option 6: Isotretinoin

Pros: effective in treating severe acne
Cons: can only be prescribed by a dermatologist; high risk of causing serious birth defects; can cause dry lips, nosebleeds, headaches, inflammation of the eyelids, skin rashes, muscle, joint and bone pain, blood in urine