Cover up in the sun.

Cancer can come in many different forms, and remains one of the most prevalent diseases in Scotland.  For women, breast cancer remains the most common, with over 3,500 new cases each year.  It remains as the most common cancer death followed by lung and bowel cancer.

For men, lung cancer is the most likely cancer death, followed by prostate and bowel cancer.

Smoking is the biggest preventable cause of cancer, and a poor diet can be attributable to 30% of all cancers.  Excessive alcohol consumption is associated with several types of cancer, for example cancers of the head and the esophagus.

You can reduce your risks of cancer by

• Quitting smoking
• Eating a healthy diet with lots of fruit and veg
• Covering up in the sun

It is possible to detect cancer early when treatment has greater chance of success. You can play your part by:

• Having regular smear tests
• Attending for breast examination (if you are over 50)
• Doing testicular self examination

It is important to seek advice if you suspect you have any symptoms that may be cancer related.  This is particularly pertinent to men, who historically are slow to seek advice when experiencing symptons.

The link below gives further access to the different types of cancer and their related signs and symptons.