Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011
November is lung cancer awareness month; to help support Health Exchange are raising the awareness of cancer associated myths.
Catherine Fletcher, Macmillan and Physical Activity programme lead:
“I recently attended a very interesting training course on Cancer Awareness. One of the aspects I found particularly useful was discussion of myths surrounding cancer, and what the truths are. With thanks to Cancer Research UK for the information, I would like to go through some of the myths surrounding lung cancer:
Myth:
Coughing up blood is the earliest sign of lung cancer
Truth:
The first signs are often a cough that won’t go away and shortness of breath. It’s important to see your doctor if you’re worried about any symptom.
Myth:
Only cigarette smokers develop lung cancer
Truth:
In the UK, around 1 in 13 lung cancer deaths are in people who have never regularly smoked cigarettes.
Myth:
Lung cancer cannot be cured
Truth:
When lung cancer is spotted at an early stage, the chances of surviving are greatly improved.
Myth:
If you smoke, the damage is done, so there’s no point giving up
Truth:
Quitting will reduce your risk of developing lung cancer and other diseases and increase your chance of responding better to treatment.
Remember, the fight is never over.
If you want help to stop smoking our health trainers can provide you with one to one support and a structured plan. Click here to read more.
If you prefer to go it alone, our Sandwell Stop Smoking team can provide you with information and support for your quit attempt. Click here to apply.
For more information about lung cancer you can visit Birmingham’s Victoria Square on 8th November 2011 where the Health Exchange mobile unit will be providing information on lung cancer, the Macmillan Information and Support Service, Physical Activity and offering the chance to have free blood pressure and BMI checks and also to have a go on our Wii Fit!
You can also visit Health Exchange on the 1st Floor Mezzanine at Birmingham Central Library and access our Health Supporter and Macmillan Information services from 10am until 4pm Monday to Friday.
Tags: awareness, cancer, cancer myths, cancer research UK, cancer support, lung cancer, macmillan, myths, myths about cancer, smoke, smokefree, smoking damage
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Friday, April 1st, 2011
How much do you know about Bowel Cancer?
Should you be screened?
In March we trained 13 of our health supporters as Bowel cancer Lay Educators, so they can educate their community and distribute information about bowel cancer prevalence and the associated risks. (more…)
Tags: birmingham, bowel cancer, cancer, cancer screening, community, community care, health, health information, health screening, help, information, lifestyle, macmillan, risk. health and wellbeing, screening, wellbeing
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Tuesday, March 1st, 2011
A recent report by the House of Commons has stated that cancer care in England is lagging behind other countries.
MP’s stated a potential 10,000 lives could be saved from early diagnosis and raising the standard of care to match that in the best countries.
At Health Exchange, beating cancer and catching it early is really important to us. As well as our partnership with Macmillan, that includes our cancer pods located in various locations throughout the city offering support and information to sufferers, their friends and families, we have also started a new piece of work with Heart of Birmingham to promote Bowel Cancer Screening.
Bowel Cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK with 38,000 new cases diagnosed every year. It can be present in the body for a long time before any symptoms appear. Approximately 80% of bowel cancer cases develop in people aged 60 or over. That’s why men and women aged 60—69 are being invited to a bowel cancer screening to detect early onset.
Over the next few months, we will be taking to the streets of Birmingham to promote Bowel Cancer Screening amongst the Birmingham population; at community events, open days and on our mobile units. Click here to see our calendar of events.
The screening is really easy to use and can be done in the comfort of your own home. The results can then be sent back to you within two weeks.
So, if you’re over 60, live with, or know someone in that age range, make sure the screening is done. It’s really simple and could save your life.
If you would like more information about the screenings, general cancer related support, guidance, information or just need someone to talk to, please call our Cancer Champions on Freephone 0800 158 35 35.
Tags: bowel, cancer, elderly, events, government report, health, home testing, insufficient care, lagging, macmillan, make the change, screening
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Friday, February 4th, 2011
It is day 17 of my 100 day challenge and I used Facebook to ask some of my friends what activities I should try to ensure that I could do something a little different every day. My friends have recommended skipping, belly dancing (this is being booked) and sky diving. All additional suggestions greatly welcomed for my other 83 days.
I am feeling fitter already and find that I have more energy particularly at evenings when I used to get a bit of a slump post getting the children up to bed and preparing the evening meal.
In the last few days I have had a 30 minute dance-athon with the children, did a power walk, and a canal side walk during one of my lunch hours. I also had an excellent spa day on Monday which included a good hour of swimming so it is working out quite nicely .
When I can, I am using the Wii fit and have just got the Wii fit Plus for my birthday; so this will increase my activities as well. I am due to start a Salsa class this evening.
I am glad I made the decision to take on the challenge and each time I tell people about it means that I am raising awareness of Macmillan Cancer as well.
Jennifer
Tags: cancer, challenge 100, dance, exercise, fitness, keep it fresh, macmillan, salsa, Wii Fit
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