Cancer Care and Information Portal - Orchard 2000 Medical Centre

DELTA HEALTHCARE

Park Health Centre

700 Holderness Road

HULL
HU9 3JR
Telephone: 01482 335234

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Medical Emergencies dial 999

Out of Hours:  dial  111

CANCER PORTAL

Cancer Portal Overview

This cancer portal is dedicated to providing comprehensive information and support for those affected by cancer, whether directly or indirectly. Cancer is a complex and varied group of diseases characterised by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. It can affect any part of the body and manifests in numerous forms, such as bladder cancer, blood cancer, and bowel cancer, each requiring specific medical attention and care.

The importance of early detection cannot be overstated in the context of cancer care. Early diagnosis significantly enhances the effectiveness of treatment, potentially leading to better outcomes and increased survival rates. By detecting cancer early, treatments can be less aggressive, and the likelihood of achieving remission is much higher. This makes the comprehensive and reliable information provided on each page of our cancer portal invaluable.

Each page within this portal is tailored to a specific type of cancer, offering detailed insights into symptoms, diagnostic procedures, and treatment options. This information is vital for individuals to recognise potential warning signs early and seek medical advice promptly.

Moreover, understanding the nature of the cancer they or their loved ones are facing empowers patients and their families, facilitating informed discussions with healthcare providers and enabling timely, decisive action towards treatment and management.

Through education and awareness, we aim to enhance the community's knowledge about various cancers, underline the critical role of early detection, and provide guidance on the next steps after diagnosis. This portal is not just a resource but a companion in navigating the challenges of cancer, promoting early intervention, and supporting those on their journey through treatment and beyond.

The Importance of Early Diagnosis

Early diagnosis of cancer significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and survival. Detecting cancer at an early stage often means that it is localised and can be treated more effectively before it spreads to other parts of the body. This is why awareness, screening, and self-checks are critical components in the fight against cancer.

Screeening & Self-checks

Screening programmes are vital tools in early cancer detection. In the UK, the NHS offers several cancer screening programmes for breast, cervical, and bowel cancer. These programmes are designed to identify cancer at an early stage when treatment is most likely to be effective. For instance, bowel cancer screening can detect early signs of the disease, even before symptoms appear, allowing for timely intervention.

Self-checks are equally important, empowering individuals to be proactive about their health. Regular self-examinations can help detect unusual changes in the body, such as lumps, skin changes, or unexplained weight loss, which should be reported to a GP promptly. For example, men are encouraged to perform regular testicular self-exams, while women should be aware of the signs of breast cancer and conduct monthly self-breast exams.

Support & Resources

A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but it is important to remember that cancer is not always a terminal diagnosis. Many forms of cancer can be treated effectively, leading to remission or even a cure. Our portal provides information on NHS services available to cancer patients, including treatment options, palliative care, and follow-up care.

In addition to medical treatments, emotional and psychological support is crucial. We offer links to various support organisations that can provide assistance and counselling. These organisations can help patients and their families navigate the challenges of a cancer diagnosis, offering support groups, financial advice, and mental health resources. 

Sensitive & Comprehensive Information

We understand that a cancer diagnosis is a deeply personal and often difficult experience. Our goal is to provide information that is both comprehensive and sensitive to the needs of those affected by cancer. Each page within this portal is designed to offer detailed information while respecting the emotional journeys of our readers.

Through awareness, education, and support, we aim to empower our patients and their families to navigate the complexities of cancer with confidence and hope. Please explore the menu to access specific information about the various types of cancer featured on our website.

Gender - Cancer Information

From available data, it appears that there is a lower uptake of cancer screening amongst the LGBT community (gay, lesbian, trans, bisexual). 

Failure to attend for cancer screening means that cancers may not be detected in the early stages. This may lead to a later diagnosis of cancer and risks worse experience and outcomes. Whilst there is no clear evidence to suggest that non-binary and trans people are at a heightened risk of cancer than cisgender people, there are certain factors that might affect the risk of particular cancers. This may have an influence of the type of recommended screening taking account of the sex assigned at birth, hormones and any surgery that may have been performed.

Prostate Cancer

The prostate is a gland that is located below the bladder. It surrounds the urethra , which is the tube through which urine (wee) passes out of the body. People with a prostate include:

  • cisgender men
  • trans women
  • non-binary people who were assigned male at birth
  • some people who are intersex

Trans women and people who are non-binary can still get prostate cancer. Tests should be undertaken if symptoms appear. The UK currently has no screening programme for prostate cancer.

>> PROSTATE CANCER SYMPTOMS, TESTS AND TREATMENTS>> PROSTATE CANCER & & TRANS WOMEN - INFO ON PROSTATE CANCER

Breast Cancer Screening

Failure to attend for cancer screening means that cancers may not be detected in the early stages. This may lead to a later diagnosis of cancer and risks worse experience and outcomes. Whilst there is no clear evidence to suggest that non-binary and trans people are at a heightened risk of cancer than cisgender people, there are certain factors that might affect the risk of particular cancers. This may have an influence of the type of recommended screening taking account of the sex assigned at birth, hormones and any surgery that may have been performed.

In clinical terms, people of all genders can get breast cancer and everyone has breast tissue. For everyone with significant breast tissue between the ages of 50 and 70 can access breast screening. This includes most:

  • cisgender women who have not had surgery (bilateral mastectomy) to remove breast tissue.
  • trans women and non-binary people who have not had surgery (bilateral mastectomy)for the removal of breast tissue
  • trans women and non-binary people who were assigned male at birth and who have taken feminising hormones
  • some people who are intersex.

Only people who are registered female at their GP surgery are automatically invited for cervical screening. If they wish to take part in screening, males may discuss their concerns with the GP practice.

>> SELF-CHECK BREAST CANCER

Cervical Cancer Screening

The cervix is located inside the body at the top of the vagina where it joins with the bottom of the womb. Cervical screening is offered routinely to anyone with a cervix between the ages of 25 to 64 years. Providing they have not had an operation to remove their womb this can include the following people:

In clinical terms, people of all genders can get breast cancer and everyone has breast tissue. For everyone with significant breast tissue between the ages of 50 and 70 can access breast screening. This includes most:

  • cisgender women 
  • trans men 
  • non-binary people who were assigned female at birth
  • some people who are intersex.

Cervical screening for trans men and non-binary people

Only people who are registered female at their GP surgery are automatically invited for cervical screening. If they wish to take part in screening, males may discuss their concerns with the GP practice. If they have a cervix and are registered as male, and aged between 25 and 64, they can:

  • ask their GP surgery to send invitations directly and add reminders to the medical record
  • make a diary note to request an appointment every 3-5 years
>> JO'S CERVICAL CANCER TRUST CERVICAL SCREENING FOR TRANS MEN AND NON-BINARY PEOPLE

Cervical screening for lesbian and bi women

Women who only have sex with women do need to attend for screening tests, in spite of misconceptions on the matter. The HPV virus can be transmitted during sexual activity. Lesbian and Bi women who have a cervix and who are between the ages of 25 and 64 years should attend for screening tests.

More information for trans and non-binary people

GPs are able to offer advice if there are any questions about cancer screening, Cancer Research UK are also a source of innformation on screening for non-binary and trans people.

>> CANCER RESEARCH UK SCREENING FOR NON-BINARY & TRANS PEOPLE

Palliative Care

End of Life care means support for people who are in the last months or years of their life. It should help the person decide how to live as well as is possible and the die with dignity. In working on the care plan, those planning end of life care should take the individual's wishes and preferences into account. Support should also be given to family, carers or others important to the person. 

It is the right of the person to express their wishes about the plane in which they would like to receive care and where they wish to die. Depending on needs and wishes, end of life care can be provided at home in a care home, a hospital or in a hospice.