Getting your NCT

Detecting Cancer Early...

Some regular DIY checks:

ATTEND YOUR NCT

The NCT test keeps you safely on the road and can pick up faults before they become dangerous. Regular check-ups by your own GP can also pick up potential medical problems in the same way. Some GPs offer basic screening services. It’s a good opportunity to talk about any concerns you might have and check out your risks.

CHECK YOUR LOGBOOK

One careful driver on the logbook? Check out your family history of cancer, especially if either of your parents suffered from a particular cancer before 60. If you do have a parent who had cancer at a young age, check with your doctor what you can do to reduce your own risk. Your doctor may suggest regular screening, which can catch potential problems early. Most cancers can be successfully treated when they are caught early. But remember, prevention is better than cure, so you should try to reduce your risks. click here for more info

KEEP A REGULAR EYE ON YOUR BODYWORK

Get to know your skin so that you’ll more quickly recognise anything amiss such as:

• new lumps or growths,
• a sore or bruise that does not heal,
• a mole that changes in shape, size or colour or bleeds in unusual circumstances. click here for more info

Be aware of how your balls usually feel and check them regularly for anything unusual such as a lump, thickening or swelling. click here for more info

ENGINE TROUBLE? CHECK IT OUT!

Take action if you experience any of the following for more than a couple of weeks:

• A persistent cough or hoarseness
• Persistent indigestion or difficulty in swallowing
• Shortness of breath
• Significant weight loss (for no good reason)
• Loss of appetite
• A noticeable, persistent change in bowel or bladder habits, for no good reason

Many symptoms that might indicate cancer can also be caused by a less serious illness. But it’s always better to be safe. So go see your doctor if in any doubt.