Cervical Cancer Prevention Week 2015

It's currently Cervical Cancer Prevention Week in the UK. Cervical cancer is a subject I frequently visit on this blog. I really believe there is no reason at all why so many women are diagnosed with this horrific type of cancer when it is actually preventable. Today's post will go over some things I have mentioned before but I really do think it is a hugely important issue and I hope this blog post persuades at least one woman to book her smear once she's finished reading.

Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust have released a report which states that cases of cervical cancer have risen but 4.8% in women aged between 25-29 in the UK. My age group. The charity think this is because women are not attending their smear appointments. More then 1/5 women ignore their invitation for screening - possibly because they feel shy, embarrassed or scared. Hopefully this post will persuade you that there is  NOTHING to be worried, scared or embassased about when it comes to a smear test!

The Cervix:

The cervix is basically the neck of the womb (uterus). It is the opening to the womb from the vagina. The cervix is a very strong muscle which is usually tightly shut but it does open during labour so the baby can come out. The outer surface of the cervix has a layer of cells which are almost skin-like. When these cells become cancerous it is known as squamous cell cervical cancer. There are glandular cells lining the inside of the cervix producing mucus. Cancer of these cells is called adenocarcinoma of the cervix. There is an area of the cervix known as the transformation zone. This is around the opening of the cervix leading onto a narrow passageway that runs into the womb. This zone is where cells are most likely to become cancerous.

Risks and Causes of Cervical Cancer:

* Human Pampilloma Virus (HPV) is the most common and biggest cause of cervical cancer. HPV is passed on from person to person via sexual contact. There are many different types of HPV and not all of them cause cervical cancer. One type causes genital warts but not cervical cancer. However other types are considered high risk. These types can lead to cells in the cervix changing and becoming cancerous. Most women who have HPV and develop cervical cancer will have had other infections caused by HPV in the past. However, not every woman with HPV will develop cervical cancer.

* Smoking can lead to cervical cancer; women who smoke are more likely to develop this type of cancer then women that do not smoke.

* Taking the pill can also increase your risk but the reason for this is not yet known

* Women that have bore a large number of children also have a slightly higher risk as are women with a weakened immune system.

Smear Tests:

Points to Consider:
You can have a smear test at several different places:
* Your GP’s surgery should offer them
* A family planning clinic
* A genito-urinary clinic
* An antenatal clinic
* A private health clinic
* Marie Stopes

You are well within your rights to request a female doctor or nurse performs your test but any male doctors will be chaperoned by a female staff member anyway. It is important to state if you require a female at the time of booking your appointment. 

A smear test should be scheduled whilst you are in the middle of your menstrual cycle (between periods) as it will be very difficult to see your cervix and get a cell sample whilst you are bleeding.

Age Limits:
There are varying age limits for women in the four nations of the UK.
* Women between the ages of twenty five and sixty four are screened every three to five years in England and Northern Ireland.
* In Scotland, cervical screening is offered to women aged between twenty and sixty.
* Wales offers cervical screening to women aged between twenty and sixty four.

Research has shown that screening every three years prevents 84/100 cases of cervical cancer that would develop if they weren’t caught by the smears. So getting a smear test every three years is recommended by the NHS up until you are fifty years old. Abnormal cells develop at a much slower rate in women over fifty so screening is recommended after five years for women in that age group. Your local primary care trust will contact you whenever it is time for a screening for you. I cannot stress the importance of attending these appointments enough – it could save you from a battle with cancer.

The Screening Process:
Cervical cancer is preventable. This is because pre cancerous cell changes can be picked up before they have a chance to develop. A cervical cancer screening test is known as a smear test. This involves a doctor or a nurse using a speculum to take a small sample of cells from the surface of your cervix. It sounds horrific and it can be very uncomfortable but I am going to try and explain it as clearly as I can!
You will need to take off your underwear and lie back on the couch/bed. Being as relaxed as you possibly can be will make the procedure less uncomfortable. 

Occasionally, the person doing the test will perform a vaginal examination first. This means they will place two gloved fingers inside your vagina to make sure your womb is in the correct position and that it feels like it’s a normal size. They will use their other hand to press down on your abdomen and gently feel your womb.
Then comes the actual smear test: The speculum is placed inside your vagina and has two arms which are used to spread the sides of your vagina apart so the cervix can be clearly seen. A small brush is then inserted and used scraped along the surface of your cervix to collect a sample of your cells. The brush and the cells are then sent to a lab in a pot of liquid and examined under a microscope. Any abnormal cells are reported and further investigation on these cells will be needed. 

The Results:
The important thing to remember with smear tests results is: DON’T PANIC!!! Cancer is not the only cause of abnormal cells or an abnormal result. Sometimes you may be asked to go back for a repeat test, again don’t panic, it could be because:
* You were on your period and the blood meant your cells weren’t visible enough
* Your cervix was inflamed and the cells weren’t visible enough
* An infection was blocking the view of the cells
* There were not enough cells collected in the first test

You may also be told that your test was borderline. This means cell changes have been noted but they were so very close to normal that they are probably nothing to worry yourself about and they will probably return to normal by themselves. You may be asked to go back and have another test in a few months to monitor the situation. You may also be offered a HPV test as HPV is a cause of cervical cancer. If you do test positive for HPV then you will probably been sent for more tests, including a colposcopy to monitor your cervix and the cell changes.

Cervical erosion can be picked up by smear tests. This is not cervical cancer. This means the glandular cells which are normally found inside your cervical canal are now visible on the surface of your cervix and it can be inflamed. This is a common condition for teenage girls, pregnant women and women on the pill. It can make you bleed slightly but it usually goes away by itself with no need for treatment.

Abnormal Tests Results:
Abnormal results are usually reported like this:
Mild Dyskaryosis or CIN 1(mild or slight cell changes)
If you are told that you have mild cell changes then you will probably be told to get a colposcopy straight away or to wait and have another smear in six months. Sometimes mild cell changes will go back to normal by themselves but it is important to monitor them and go back for any tests advised by your medical team. If a second test shows abnormal cells then a colposcopy is definitely needed to assess the situation. 

Moderate Dyskaryosis or CIN 2 (moderate cell changes)
Treatment will be needed if you have moderate cell changes but you only usually need it once. Then you will have follow up tests to monitor the cells in your cervix. If you have successful treatment after an abnormal smear and carry on having regular smears then you are unlikely to get cervical cancer. If you do not have treatment then you are at real risk of developing cervical cancer

Severe Dyskaryosis or CIN 3 (severe cell changes)
This is also sometimes known as carcinoma in situ (CIS) which sounds like cancer but it isn’t. This means some cells in your cervix look cancerous but are all found in the skin layer which covers your cervix. It won’t be “true” cancer until it breaks through the layer and starts to spread into the surrounding tissue. Urgent treatment is needed for this kind of smear result but if it is moved ASAP then cancer can be prevented.

All these results mean the cells found are pre cancerous meaning if they are left to go untreated, they could develop into cancer of the cervix. YOU DO NOT HAVE CERVICAL CANCER IF YOU ARE TOLD YOU HAVE ABNORMAL CELLS.

9/10 smears come back normal. 1/20 shows a borderline or mild cell change. Most of the time these cells will return to normal by themselves. 1/100 shows moderate cell changes whilst 1/200 show severe changes. Less than 1/1000 shows cancer. 

You don’t have to be over the age of twenty five to develop cervical cancer; some younger women do develop it as well. However, in the UK, smear tests are not encouraged until twenty five because your cervix is still developing in your teens and early twenties. This means the likelihood of you getting an abnormal result is more common but usually nothing to worry about. After Jade Goody’s horrifically young death, a campaign was launched to lower the smear test age limit but medical professionals do not agree with this. If you are under twenty five and are concerned about your cervical cancer risk – please do speak to your GP and get some advice. A private gynaecologist may allow you to have a smear test but it would depend on your individual circumstances.

PLEASE DO NOT BE SCARED TO HAVE A SMEAR TEST – THEY ARE UNCOMFORTABLE AND UNLADYLIKE BUT THEY DO SAVE LIVES! A FEW MINUTES OF DISCOMFORT IS BETTER THEN A BATTLE WITH CERVICAL CANCER!!!

It is also important to note that an abnormal smear result does not mean you have cervical cancer. If you are contacted and told your test was abnormal then please do not ignore it, go and see what your doctors have to say.

Symptoms:

Before I start listing the symptoms, please note that pre cancerous cells do not produce symptoms. This means having a smear test is hugely important – you can catch the cancer before it even develops. It is also important to know that the following symptoms do not instantly mean you have cervical cancer but it is important to go to your doctor if you have any of these symptoms:

* Bleeding between periods

* Bleeding during or after sex

* Bleeding at any time after the menopause

* Discomfort or pain during sex

Treating Abnormal Cells

Should you receive your smear test reveal abnormal cells then it is hugely important that you have treatment. Don't ignore the letter, although I'm sure you'll be terrified. Ask questions, speak to your doctor, seek support from your loved ones but please please please get yourself treated as soon as possible. These cells need to be sorted before they develop into cancer.

There are quite a few different ways to treat abnormal cervical cells. I’ll try to explain the various types of treatment here today. It’s important to remember that treatment is decided based on the type of cells, your own body and the stage the cells are at. If you do have abnormal cells then it is vital to get them treated as soon as you possibly can. Treatment will destroy the abnormal cells before they can become cancerous.

First Steps:

If you have mild cell changes then you may be told to wait six months and have a repeat test. This is because mild cell changes usually sort themselves out. If you have moderate to severe cell changes then you will probably be referred to your local hospital for a colposcopy. This is an outpatient procedure and it is basically a close examination of your cervix which doesn’t actually go inside your vagina. The doctor or nurse specialist uses something like a magnifying glass to look at the cells on your cervix in more detail and takes a biopsy to send to the lab for further examination.

Types of Treatment:

Laser Therapy (Laser Ablation): some cells can be burned away by a laser in an outpatient procedure. For this kind of treatment you will lie on a bed with your legs in stirrups whilst a doctor places a speculum into your vagina to hold it open whilst they point a laser beam at the abnormal areas. You will be given local anaesthetic to numb the area and prevent pain. The laser is a very strong and hot beam of light and it burns away the abnormal cells. This can cause a slight burning smell whist you are having the treatment but that just means the laser is working so try not to worry. You should be able to go home as soon as the treatment is finished. You may experience period type pains but they should go away with the normal paracetamol or ibuprofen and some bed rest.

Cold Coagulation: This name is a little misleading as the treatment isn’t cold at all! You lie on a bed with your legs in stirrups whilst a doctor inserts a speculum to hold your vagina open. A hot probe is then used to burn away the abnormal cells. You shouldn’t be able to feel the probe but it can cause some period type pains which should go away a few hours after the treatment has finished.

Cryotherapy: This is basically cold coagulation but with a cold probe instead of a hot one. The cold probe freezes the abnormal cells. The procedure is exactly the same as the cold coagulation.

Diathermy: This is done under local anaesthetic. An electronic current is used to cut away the tissue that contains the abnormal cells. It is a fairly quick procedure and it usually done as an outpatient case which means you should be able to go home afterwards. It can cause bleeding or discharge for about four weeks after the treatment but sanitary towels will have to be used as tampons have to be avoided for four weeks. Sex must also be avoided for four weeks following a diathermy procedure.

Cone Biopsy: This is a minor operation that can be used to diagnose cervical cancer or to treat abnormal cells. The entire area containing possible abnormal cells is removed. It is called a cone biopsy because a cone shaped area of tissue is removed from the cervix. This is called the transformation zone. This can be done under general or local anaesthetic.

Hysterectomy: If you are past menopause, or have had all your children, then your doctor may suggest removing your uterus. This is usually suggested if you have had abnormal cells more then once or if the cells are severely abnormal.

These treatments do sound rather uncomfortable and scary but it is massively important to have abnormal cells treated to prevent them developing into cervical cancer. Please do remember to book yourself in for a smear if you are due one. As I’ve said before, a little discomfort is nothing compared to a battle with cervical cancer.

If you are worried about HPV or cervical cancer then please contact your GP or visit www.cancerresearchuk.org for more information. If you are reading this and you are above twenty five but haven’t had a smear test for a few years, please book one ASAP. Too many women die from cervical cancer and knowing it is preventable makes their deaths even more tragic. Please don’t put your health at risk.

Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust is also known as Jo’s Trust and it is the only UK based charity to focus solely on women that have been affected by cervical cancer and their families. They also help women dealing with cervical abnormalities. They aim to offer information, advice, friendship and support to these women, regardless of their age and status. They also try to educate women on the importance of cervical screening and to provide support for the women that have abnormal screening results or ladies that have a cervical cancer diagnosis.

Jo’s Trust has a mission: “Our mission is to see cervical cancer prevented, reduce the impact for everyone affected by cervical abnormalities."

The trust provides support groups, allowing women to come together, bond and share experiences. They also have a helpline to provide support, they have an online forum for people to come together in the comfort of their own home and a yearly meeting for women to get together and enjoy themselves. They also provide many helpful information leaflets which can be found on their website.

Jo’s Trust is a fabulous charity which does amazing things for women in the UK. I whole heartedly agree with their mission and their core values and I would love to see them succeed and help make cervical cancer a thing of the past. Please do check out their website and find out ways to help them achieve their goals. You can also find them on twitter @JosTrust

CRUK Volunteer Showcase - Elizabeth Bailey

Elizabeth Andrews once said "Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they have the heart"

It's almost like this quote was written with Elizabeth Bailey in mind. Elizabeth is one of the most incredible people I have ever come across. A breast cancer survivor, she is super intelligent, courageous and highly motivated. A busy wife and mum to two beautiful little girls, she left her civil service career behind to pursue postgraduate study and do some incredible work on cancer prevention and awareness on her local area of Luton. She is also a very passionate CRUK Ambassador and works with Relay for Life. Elizabeth is a huge inspiration to me; her own huge life changes helped inspired mine last year and she continues to inspire, and support, me on a daily basis. 

Elizabeth, I'm hugely honoured to count you as a friend and share your showcase today!!  

What made you decide to volunteer for CRUK?

I have written for this blog before, so some readers may have a dim and distant memory of my experience of being diagnosed breast cancer in 2010, and the overtaking fear that I might not see my little daughters grow up.

I had extensive surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment and the whole experience was completely life changing.  I have since undertaken a major career change, for one thing.  I have volunteered before for another charity, but even before my diagnosis I had been a long term supporter of the CRUK, in terms of doing things like Race for Life regularly.  At the end of my treatment, the urge to ‘do something’ became almost overwhelming.  It was the most positive sort of anger, if that makes sense.

What sort of things do you do for the charity?

I do two main things.  Locally, I am on the committee of the fundraising event Relay for Life, which is an annual 24-hour walking relay which honours cancer survivors and remembers those we have lost.  I am Cancer Awareness Chair, so my job is to ensure that educating people about the signs and symptoms of cancer is threaded through all of our fundraising activities.

I am also a Campaigns Ambassador for CRUK, which is a political campaigning role.  This work is hugely varied.  I have written blogs, made videos, spoken at events, lobbied the House of Lords and liaise regularly with my two local MPs, for example. It is tremendously interesting.

What are your favourite aspects of volunteering for the
charity?

I have made some extraordinarily good friends, seriously, many of whom I can turn to for support, ideas and just a good laugh. I do like making a political difference, but at heart, this is about having an impact on other people, and the closest relationships you build are often the most life-affirming.  I have also been able to see my own experience in perspective, not least as I have met people who have had far bigger challenges on their hands.  It’s all relative, but I have met and made friends with some real heroes and heroines.

Do you have any future volunteering plans?

I would like to carry on with the Ambassador and Relay roles for now.  I am currently taking a semi career break and undertaking postgraduate study, but if or when I go back to working full time I would quite like to try my hand at organising a large-scale fundraising event as I have seen what has been achieved by some fellow Ambassadors and I’m impressed!  I’ll probably been waiting until I finish my PhD, though.

What advice would you give anyone considering volunteering
for CRUK?

CRUK is a really well managed organisation and as a volunteer for them you will get a really good deal. 

You might think this is an odd thing to say if what you want to do is honour the memory of your aunt by giving, or whatever.  I’d say, don’t be shy about using it to get work experience or just try your hand at something new.  It’s a two-way street and you will be valued and nurtured. 

There is such a huge range of things to do, including working in retail, marshalling or helping set up large outdoor events, event organising or political lobbying, like I do. CRUK’s publicity effort also relies strongly on people just willing to tell their own cancer stories.  You can give as little or as much time as you like. I promise you, the rewards can be enormous. And of course, volunteering helps us to beat cancer sooner, so I would really recommend taking a look:http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/support-us/volunteer

Back to my story, I’d like everyone to know that a recent set of tests showed no evidence of cancer recurrence at all, so after five years, it is likely that I will be discharged from the annual appointments round once and for all in a few months’ time.   There are more and more happy cancer stories like mine thanks to CRUK, which, don’t forget, is dependent on the kindness and generosity of you all.

Harpal Kumar - Independent Chair of the Cancer Strategy Taskforce

Harpal Kumar, Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK has been announced as the independent chair of a Task Force which will be plotting how England can handle the challenges of cancer over the next five years. He has released a statement on the CRUK science blog, which you can find here: http://scienceblog.cancerresearchuk.org/2015/01/11/my-role-as-independent-chair-of-the-cancer-strategy-taskforce/

The five year plan will include aims for better prevention, faster diagnosis as well as better treatment, care and aftercare for every cancer sufferer.

The task force will include cancer clinicians, charity leaders, people from the royal colleges of GPs and surgeons and Public Health England as well as the NHS. It is a hugely exciting project which will have great implications for cancer patients in England. Having met Harpal Kumar several times, I really think the Task Force is in good hands! Have a read of his statement on the link above and keep an eye out for updates!!!

CRUK Volunteers Showcase - David Collins

 "I may only be one person but I can be one person who can make a difference"

I am so happy to bring you this weeks volunteer showcase as it features the man I consider my unofficial mentor. 

David Collins is one of the most inspiring people I've ever met. He has a very special way about him - he is able to find the magic words to give you encouragement when you need it, he has brilliant ideas and always knows how to react with a clear head and appropriate facts in any situation when dealing with our campaigns. He is also brilliant at dealing with those that are very vocal in opposing our campaigns. David is the epitome of what volunteering is all about and I'm really happy to share his story and advice with you today. On a personal note, David, I think you're brilliant and you definitely show me the way with my own volunteering and encourage me to aim higher always!

What made you decide to volunteer for CRUK?

I was recovering from a bilateral knee replacement which I hoped was going to end a period of disability. A disability which had caused me to retire early from my main employment as a Police Officer. I had worked in various jobs since leaving the Police but by the time I had my  operations I was virtually house bound. The operations were life changing for me. While I realised I could not return to my previous career I  was looking for a flexible non physical volunteer role which suited my experience. Like many people, I have friends and family who have been affected by Cancer so I already supported Cancer Research UK with a regular donation. It was in one of their publications that I saw the ambassador program advertised. It appealed to me so I applied and was excepted. It was my second life changing event which eventually led to me once again being employed. I now work as an Expert By Experience on Care Quality Commission inspection teams through the Charity “Choice Support”.  http://www.choicesupport.org.uk/index.php/experts-by-experience

 

What sort of things do you do for the charity?

I promote the work of CRUK on social media by sharing their posts and commenting on Cancer related posts which I see. I’m not a Cancer expert by any stretch of the imagination so I tend to restrict my activities to posting links to the CRUK website. Most recently, most of my time has been taken up with challenging some of the myths and misleading information being posted about tobacco use and tobacco marketing. I find it best not to get into personal arguments with individuals online and just post the research information. It’s important that people have reliable information on which to make decisions. Social media is full of misleading information and conspiracy theories from anonymous individuals. These need to be challenged. Press headlines on Cancer issues can also be misleading. I strongly believe that people need to ask to see the evidence behind these claims. The CRUK science blog is my go to resource for reliable information on many of the claims I readhttp://scienceblog.cancerresearchuk.org

I also engage with local and national politicians at meetings and via correspondence. It may not be a popular view but I believe that the vast majority of politicians I have met are genuinely committed to helping their constituents.  They are the ultimate decision makers on how the results of CRUK  research is used in the fight against Cancer, It’s vital that they are given accurate trustworthy information. This has been and will continue to be of the upmost importance as the Multinational, very rich, Tobacco Companies continue to throw money into the fight against any tobacco control issues. We can not allow them to hook another generation on their killer products.

 

What are your favourite aspects of volunteering for the charity?

Being part of a fantastic team of talented and committed volunteers. And knowing that what we do makes a difference. As I grew up, I hardly heard anyone talk about Cancer. That is changing as people see more and more people surviving Cancer. There is much more to be done and many, like me, will have have lost friends to Cancer last year so we can not relax our efforts. We need more research and we need to ensure that the politicians continue to support the fight against Cancer.

 

Do you have any future volunteering plans?

As the Election comes around, I’ll be  concentrating more on the CRUK Cross out Cancer Campaignhttp://www.cancerresearchuk.org/support-us/campaign-for-us/cross-cancer-out

I will also be spending time promoting my other main charity the North West Air Ambulance where I volunteer as a SpeakerDelivering presentations to local groups and organisations.https://nwaa.net/fundraising/volunteer

I also intend to spend more time promoting and encouraging local volunteering for my chosen charities. It’s probably my sports coaching background but I’m a great believer in team building. I’ve met some very talented people who just needed a little support to boost their confidence. Hopefully the work we have done with other Ambassadors to develop a team ethos helped them become the fantastic supporters and advocates for the Charity they are.

 

What advice would you give to anyone considering volunteering for CRUK?

I’ve two pieces of advice

1, There is a volunteer position that will suit everyone and I promise you will not find a more professional and caring charity when it comes to dealing with people who are willing to give up their time. So have a look at the volunteering opportunities and give it a go. It can be a life changing experience.

 

2,  Get a diary and mark in the days you are NOT available and be strict with yourself. You can't do everything so just do what you can when you can.

There is a tendency for people to feel they need to do more when they see what others do. Don’t be afraid to say no, we can’t all be marathon runners, or bloggers. We can't all spend every Sunday as race volunteer.  We all have different responsibilities to our families. The amount of time people can spend in volunteer work will vary and has no relationship to commitment. A burnt out volunteer is no use to anyone and no one will criticise you for saying “Sorry I’m not available”.

Cancer - Bad Luck or Bad Lifestyle?

Scientists at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center have released information saying most cancers are caused by bad luck rather then bad lifestyle choices. http://www.bbc.com/news/health-30641833

All cancers have an element of chance - will your DNA have a mutation that leads to cancer. Whilst some are simply bad luck and some are indeed caused by genetics - many cancer cases are caused by the lifestyle choices we make. The main thing to take away from these findings is that early detection is key for ALL cancers and everyone should be vigilant with their health AND ready to seek testing if something is not right - regardless of your lifestyle and genetics.

I'm not a scientist and this site should never be treated as a scientific site but the facts and the hours of research I do for my posts speak for itself - the most common and deadly types of cancer are heavily influenced by certain lifestyle factors. More then four in ten cases of cancer in the UK (600,000 PER YEAR) could be prevented if we led healthier lives. So today's blog post will focus on the numerous lifestyle causes of cancer.

Smoking: There are thousands of people every year who are diagnosed with cancer because they have a smoking habit. Years of research has proven very clear links between cancer and smoking. In fact smoking kills five times more people then road accidents, murder, suicide, HIV and overdoses in the UK. One in every four cancer deaths in the UK is directly caused by smoking. a fifth of all cancer cases in the UK are also directly caused by smoking. Cancer Research research shows that smoking is the most important PREVENTABLE cause of cancer in the world.

More then four in five cases of Lung Cancer are caused by smoking. Lung Cancer has one of the lowest survival rates. it is the most common cause of cancer in the UK. Most of these cases are preventable if you give up smoking and allow your lungs to recover.
As well as Lung Cancer, smoking also increases your risk of over a dozen other cancers:
* Mouth
* Larynx (Voicebox)
* Pharynx (Upper Throat)
* Nose and Sinuses
* Oesophagus (Food Pipe)
* Liver
* Pancreas
* Stomach
* Kidney
* Bladder
* Cervix
* Bowel
* One type of Ovarian
* Some types of Leukaemia
* There is also evidence to suggest smoking can increase the risk of you developing Breast Cancer

Now some people can smoke their entire lives and not develop cancer. This doesn't mean smoking doesn't cause cancer; it means they are lucky. Smokers are, on average, more likely to get cancer then a non-smoker is.Half of all smokers eventually die from cancer or other smoking related illnesses. A quarter of smokers dies in middle age (between 35 and 69 years old)
Why Smoking Causes Cancer:
There are at least 80 cancer causing substances in tobacco smoke. As you inhale the smoke these chemicals are released into your lungs and spread about your body. According to scientists; these chemicals can actually damage your DNA and mutate important genes, making your cells grow and multiply until they are out of control.
Give Up Now and Make A Difference!
Researchers and campaigners have worked hard to educate people on the dangers of smoking and thanks to our hard work the number of people smoking in the UK has halved within the last fifty years. That also means that the number of Lung Cancer deaths has also halved. More work is being done (I will reveal our latest Ambassador campaign very soon!) and people are working very hard to continue making progress in this area. The fact remains that 33,000 are still killed by Lung Cancer every year and it seems that the number of people taking up smoking is catching up with the number of people giving up.

Alcohol - Alcohol can cause seven types of cancer:

* Mouth cancer
* Pharyngeal cancer (upper throat)
* Oesophageal cancer (food pipe)
* Laryngeal cancer (voice box)
* Breast cancer
* Bowel cancer
* Liver cancer
Around 12,500 cases if cancer in the UK every year are caused by alcohol. That is around 4% of cases. Mouth cancer rates have increased dramatically and that may be due to higher levels of drinking and smoking in this country. Drinking alcohol doesn't not mean you are guaranteed to get cancer but scientists have discovered that cancer is more common in people who drink alcohol.
How Much Alcohol Increases Your Chances?
You don't have to have an addiction to alcohol or be a binge drinker to have an increased risk of cancer. Three units a day is all it takes to increase your risk, so a large glass of wine or a pint of beer! Obviously the more you drink, the higher your chances. Heavy, regular drinking can also lead to liver cancer, heart disease, strokes, high blood pressure, stomach ulcers, pancreatitis and injuries caused by stumbling about. 
"Safe" Drinking
If you really do like to have a daily drink then the recommended allowance is:
* Two units for women (one small glass of something)
* Three to four units for men (two small glasses of something)
There is only a limited risk but please do remember that some drinks contain more alcohol then you would think! 
Binge Drinking or Daily Drinking?
It really doesn't make much of a difference if you binge drink at the weekend or drink small amounts every day: it's the total amount of alcohol consumed over time that has effect on your cancer risk. You are more likely to develop cancer if you consume lots of alcohol, whether you drink it all in one night or spread it out across the week.
Drinking and Smoking
Smoking and drinking will multiply your cancer risk. Tobacco and alcohol work as a deadly team damaging cells in your body. Alcohol aids tobacco, making it easier for your mouth and throat to absorb the cancer causing chemicals found in tobacco. In fact research has shown that people who smoke and drink are FIFTY TIMES more likely to develop cancer then someone who doesn't.
What Types of Alcohol are Dangerous?
ALL types of alcohol increase your risk of cancer, even red wine. Some types may benefit your health in small does but it is very important to remember to stick to the recommended allowances and to get help if you find yourself increasingly dependent on alcohol.
Why Do The Allowances Differ for Men and Women?
There are several biological reasons why women should have less alcohol then men. 
* Female livers produce less of an enzyme that breaks down alcohol so it will stay in women's bodies for longer,
* There is evidence to suggest alcohol (one unit a day) can increase a woman's risk of developing breast cancer significantly. 
* Smaller bodies absorb less alcohol then bigger bodies and women are usually smaller then men.
* Women tend to be a curvy shape with more body fat and less body water then men. This means alcohol consumed by a woman becomes more concentrated whilst in her body then it would in a man.

Exercise - We are told that thirty minutes of "moderate" activity every day, five days a week is the basic requirement for exercise to have a positive impact on your health. Obviously, the more you do, the better and the lower your cancer risk will be. It doesn't matter if you have not exercised for a while, taking it up now will still have a good effect on your health. Government research suggests only 37% of men and 25% of women are currently managing the basic amount of activity recommended for a healthy lifestyle.

Moderate Activity - Moderate activity can be cheap and quick. It is a broad term; anything that makes you feel warm and slightly out of breath counts as moderate. Examples are: a brisk walk, gardening, dancing or even housework. Small bursts of exercise throughout the day are just as useful as doing it all in one go. Inactive lifestyles are linked to over 3,000 cases of cancer every year. They can also lead to diabetes, osteoporosis, strokes and heart disease. In fact a study estimates that inactivity kills two million people worldwide every year. Regular exercise will protect your body against some cancers and helps keep your body weight at a manageable, healthy level.

Exercise and Bowel Cancer - There have been more them fifty scientific studies across the world that have shown exercise can reduce your risk of bowel cancer. In fact, the largest study proved physically active people reduce their bowl cancer risk by up to a quarter. Keeping to a healthy body weight will also reduce your risk of bowel cancer. This is because:
* Exercise help you to have regular bowel movements. This means any cancer causing substances in your food will pass through your body quicker and easier.
* Exercise reduces the amount of insulin, some hormones and some growth factors. All three of these substances can encourage tumour growth when found at high levels.
* Exercise can reduce bowel inflammation which could lead to cancer.

Exercise and Breast Cancer - Studies on exercise and breast cancer have shown that being active reduces your breast cancer risk by 20-40%. In addition to this, a study showed that every extra hour of exercise in a week will reduce your risk by a further 6%. This applies both before and after the menopause but the benefits are greater for women who have not been through the menopause yet.

Exercise and Womb Cancer - Exercise is clearly associated with reducing the risk of womb cancer and active women have a 30% lower risk then women who do not exercise regularly. For men, it is also worth noting that exercise could reduce your risk of prostate cancer.

Diet - It is believed that almost one in ten cancer cases in the UK are caused by bad, unhealthy diets.

Our diet choices can increase our risk of developing the following cancers:
* Bowel cancer
* Stomach cancer
* Mouth cancer
* Oesophagus (food pipe) cancer
* Breast Cancer

A Healthy Diet
The link between cancer and your diet is really complicated. Our diet is made up of lots of different food and they all provide us with different nutrients. Most of these will affect our cancer risk, especially when combined with others. Your genetic make up also affects how your diet affects your cancer risk. Many scientists are busy conducting research studies how food protect or cause cancer and their results are beginning to filter through to cancer charities and doctors.
We do know that a healthy, balanced diet will help reduce your cancer risk. Here are some tips on what food to enjoy and avoid in order to maintain a balanced diet:
* Fruit and Vegetables - These are really important and can affect your risk of mouth and throat cancers. Fruit and veg are a really good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and folate. They are also a brilliant source of fibre. Try to aim for at least five pieces a day. Try to enjoy a wide variety of colours when it comes to your fruit and veg as it will mean you receive a broader range of vitamins and minerals. The chemicals that give a fruit it's colour is usually the same ones that are good for you.
* Meat - having lots of red meat or processed meat can increase your bowel cancer risk as well as stomach cancer. Eating white meat, such as chicken, will probably not increase your cancer risk. If like Leo and I, you love your meat, you don't need to abstain completely. You can enjoy small portions and try to make sure you don't over cook it at high temperatures as this can produce cancer causing chemicals.
Red Meat includes beef, pork and lamb. It doesn't matter if it is fresh or frozen.
Processed Meat includes ham, salami, bacon and sausages
* Salt - salt can increase your risk of stomach cancer and nasopharync (the part where your nose connects with your throat) cancer. Using small amounts of table salt when cooking is unlikely to increase your cancer risk. It is also important to remember too much salt can increase your chances of having high blood pressure, heart disease or a stroke so try not to eat too much of it. Please check the salt intake of the foods you buy, especially if you are partial to a ready meal.
* Fibre - foods that contain lots of fibre can reduce your bowel cancer risk by a quarter. So eat plenty of fruit and veg, wholegrain cereals, wholegrain bread, brown rices and pulses. Fruits and veg especially high in fibre include peas, avocados, apples, berries, spinach and pairs. Moderate amounts of fibre are found in carrots, oranges, broccoli, green beans, brussel sprouts and corn.
* Fats - fats are necessary to our diets but the key is to enjoy it in moderation as a high fat diet can increase the risk of cancer, heart disease and plenty more conditions. Evidence suggests to much saturated fat can increase your risk of breast cancer. Try to keep track of your fat intake, trying to avoid too much saturated fat (butter, cheese, fatty meat, biscuits and crisps.) Try semi-skimmed milk rather then full fat. Try to avoid frying your food as much as you can.

Tanning - There are two main types of skin cancer:

* Malignant melanoma - the most serious type. Usually develops in the outer layer of your skin. Visible signs of melanoma incluse moles changing the way they look or feel. Malignant melanoma is one of the fastest rising cancers in the UK and have risen by more then four times since the 1970's. worryingly, we see more melanoma deaths then Australia, although they have more cases of the disease. Melanoma is a cancer that affects young adults. It is the second most common cancer seen in people aged between fifteen and thirty four. However, your risk of developing the disease increasing as you get older. Melanoma is more common in women then in men. Most commonly found on a woman's leg or a man's torso.

* Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is more common then melanoma and easier to treat. It is commonly found on areas of the body exposed to the sun frequently (head, neck, arms and hands) There are two types of NMSC and they both tend to affect older people.

BASAL CELL CANCER is more common. Slow to grow and usually begins as a small flattened lump. It can be red, pale or pearly and sometimes scaly, almost like eczema.

SQUAMOUS CALL CANCER is more serious and can spread if left untreated. It appears as persistent scaly spots, lumps or ulcers which bleed easily and are red in appearance.

Early Diagnosis Saves Lives - Being conscious of your skin and noticing any changes is key to diagnosing skin cancer and saving lives. Make sure you know where your moles are and monitor them regularly. If any changes in size, shape or colour occur then get to your GP as quickly as possible. Skin cancer is much easier to treat in it's early stages.

Risk Factors - Some people have a higher risk of developing skin cancer then others. These people will have one or more of the following factors:

* Fair skin that burns easily

* Lots of moles and/or freckles

* Frequent sunburn

* Red or fair hair

* Light coloured eyes

* A family history of skin cancer

* Personal history of skin cancer

How Can I Try To Prevent Skin Cancer? - There are things you can do to try and protect your skin. Wearing SP15+ suncream, covering up as best you can and finding shade during peak sun hours (12-4) all help look after your skin and protect it from harmful UV rays. Avoiding sunbeds is obviously a huge factor, you are 75% more likely to develop cancer if you use sunbeds even once before you turn thirty five. If you really do need a tan then I really do encourage you to use a fake tan spray rather then running to the sunbed; your skin and your health will thank you for it.

I hope you've found this useful,for more information please visit www.cancerresearchuk.org

CRUK Volunteer Showcase - Penny Christofi

Happy New Year!!! I hope 2015 is a year full of happiness, good health, love and success for anyone reading this post!

This site will have a new system this year. Every Monday a factual post will be uploaded and every Friday a volunteer showcase will be uploaded. Things will kick off properly from Monday but as today is the first Friday of 2015 I thought I would start as I mean to go on and post a showcase. Today I'm using myself as a soft launch for the new system. Next week it will kick off properly with the one and only David Collins; ultimate volunteer and my unofficial mentor!

Bits and pieces are known about myself and my volunteer role with CRUK but if you haven't been reading the site from the beginning and don't know me personally here is all about me!

What Made You Decide to Volunteer for CRUK?
I started volunteering in November 2010 when I was twenty one years old. My cousin, Georgie, had been suffering from osteosarcoma, his third cancer, for several years at that point and I had lost my Buppou (Grandfather) to cancer in January that year. In the past I had also lost my Uncle, two Aunts and my Yiayia (Grandmother). I wanted to actively start doing something to help and the Ambassador programme seemed to be able to combine my knowledge of politics with my desire to do something worthwhile for people like my cousin. Georgie died five months after I started volunteering and the work I was doing definitely helped with my grief and continues to do so even now.

What Sort of Things Do You Do For The Charity?
If I'm honest there isn't a lot I wouldn't do for CRUK! My main role with the charity is "Cancer Campaigns Ambassador for Bromley and Chislehurst"which means I represent my local contituency. I liaise with the local press to seek support and publicity for our campaigns. I meet with, and sometimes lobby, my local MP and other political figures to flag up campaign issues and try to persuade them to take positive action.
My role as a volunteer has expanded hugely in the last four years. On top of my Ambassador role I have also been known to make speeches, volunteer at events such as Race for Life and Shine, take part in events such as Race for Life and Shine, attend political party conferences, appear in CRUK videos, Facebook and Twitter campaigns, mentor other volunteers, share my stories at events and volunteer conferences, collect petition signatures and donate to CRUK shops. Basically if CRUK ask me to do something, I'll do it!

What Are Your Favourite Aspects of Volunteering for the Charity?
The people I get to meet are, without a doubt, the best part of being a volunteer. The friends I've made and the bonds that have formed are truly amazing. The people I've met through CRUK are truly compassionate, inspiring and brave people that have genuinely changed my life and my outlook, The first people to offer me support during both the good and bad times.
Getting to see positive results is also incredible. Walking into a supermarket and seeing the blank cigarette display due to our campaign, seeing survival rates increase and knowing I've had a very small part to play, messages from people explaining they have gone for a check up or tried to give up smoking after reading this blog - there is no better feeling then knowing you're making a small but positive difference in the world you live in.

Do You Have Any Future Volunteering Plans?
2015 is an election year in the UK so it's a very busy period for the CRUK Ambassador family. I'm very excited to get stuck in and work within our fantastic team to make this the best year yet for CRUK.
On a personal level this is my fifth year of being a volunteer and I'm branching out slightly. I'm going to be more patient focused this year - shopping for those that are unable to do so themselves, visiting patients and getting involved in a different aspect of volunteering.

What Advice Would You Give Anyone Considering Volunteering for CRUK?
You will never regret becoming a volunteer. It will change your life. You'll meet people and experience things that will change your outlook. You'll find yourself offering to do more and more. Being a volunteer is one of the best things I have ever done and it is certainly the thing I am most proud of. GO FOR IT!