Pharmacies in Northern Ireland help raise cancer awareness

Pharmacies in Northern Ireland help raise cancer awareness In addition to advising on how to spot cancer early, pharmacy teams can support people to make healthy changes that could reduce their risk of cancer. Community pharmacies across Northern Ireland are distributing a free information booklet to help raise public awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancer and promote early diagnosis. The initiative is part of the ‘Be Cancer Aware’ campaign, which has been running in pharmacies since April and will continue through May as part of the Living Well service. The campaign highlights the important role of pharmacy teams in offering advice and support, and encourages anyone experiencing possible cancer symptoms to talk to their GP. It also aims to promote healthy lifestyle changes that can help reduce the risk of developing cancer in the future. “Cancer is a common condition - around half of us will develop some form of cancer in our lifetime,” said Dr Anna Cullen, Public Health Registrar at the Public Health Agency (PHA). The most common cancers in Northern Ireland include breast cancer, lung cancer, bowel cancer, prostate cancer, and skin cancer. Dr Cullen emphasised that being aware of the general signs and symptoms can help in early detection and increase the chance of survival. She encouraged people to watch for the following signs and symptoms: Coughing up blood Blood in urine Blood mixed through bowel motions (stools) A change in bowel habits lasting three weeks or more Unexplained, significant weight loss (5kg/10lbs over a couple of months) A lump anywhere on the body Changes to the skin or an existing mole (such as itching, bleeding, or changes in shape or colour) A sore that doesn’t heal Persistent symptoms, such as a cough or hoarseness lasting more than three weeks “If you notice any of these symptoms and you feel something isn’t right, do not hesitate to contact your GP, ” said Dr Cullen.