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Hi all im new to this For the past 9 months ive had a niggling pain in my low left abdomen i went to a GP twice to be told try ignore as it doesnt sound sinister. Recently in the past 2 weeks ive noticed blood in my stool. I go regulary every day no change in bowel habits just the constant niggling pain which is bareable. Im very worried it could be cancer. My stomach also gurgles a lot and i pass a lot of wind Has anybody any similar experiences if so please let me know.

Hello I'm Alice I'm new to this site I'd like to talk with people going through cancer the same as myself I'm 68 and this is my second time going through breast cancer, Just looking for new online friends

HPV (human papilloma virus) is a very common virus that most people will have at some point in their lives.  There is over 100 strains of this virus and some strains increase your cancer risk.  1 in 20 cancers diagnosed worldwide are caused by HPV.  Further information about the virus can be found on our website. The HPV schools vaccine programme will shortly commence for 2021/2022 and will be offered free to both boys and girls in their first year of secondary school.  The HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9) protects against the HPV virus, which can cause cancer and genital warts in both women and men and protects against the types of HPV that cause 9 out of 10 cervical cancers. On the support line, we often get questions from the public about the vaccine and the programme, some frequently asked questions are: Is the Vaccine safe? The HPV vaccine is safe. The safety of the HPV vaccine has been studied for over 15 years. Over 1 million people have been studied during clinical trials since the vaccine was licensed in 2006.   Information about vaccine safety can be found here.  There is no scientific evidence in Ireland or in any other country that the HPV vaccine causes any long-term medical condition. There are stories on social media claiming that the HPV vaccine causes an increase in cases of: postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) – an increase in heart rate that can make you feel faint and dizzy complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) – a form of chronic pain that usually affects an arm or a leg The European Medicines Agency (EMA) researched these claims in 2015. They found no evidence that the HPV vaccine leads to an increase in these conditions, further information can be found here. Vaccines are strictly monitored and reviewed regularly by international bodies including the: World Health Organization European Medicines Agency Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the USA Are there any side effects from the vaccine? Most people have no problems after the vaccine. The HPV vaccine has many of the same, mild side effects as other vaccines.  Soreness, swelling and redness in their arm where the injection was given. This is nothing to worry about as this usually passes after a day or two. Headache, or feel sick in their tummy or have a slight temperature. If this happens, paracetamol or ibuprofen will help. Occasionally, some people may feel unwell and faint after getting their injection. To prevent this, when someone gets the vaccine they are asked to sit down and rest for 15 minutes after the vaccination. All international bodies have continually reported that the vaccines used in Ireland have no long-term side effects. Can Gardasil 9 be given alongside the COVID-19 vaccine? The National Immunisation Advisory Committee says that other vaccines can be given with COVID-19 vaccines.  A gap is not needed between COVID-19 vaccines and the vaccines offered as part of the school vaccination programme. My child/I decided not to proceed with the HPV schools programme in their first year of secondary school can they/I opt in now? Anyone not in 1st year of secondary school or age equivalent in special schools or home schooled during 2021/2022 school year who wish to get the HPV vaccine, must go to their GP or sexual health clinic and pay for the vaccine and its administration privately.  The vaccine costs approximately 200 euro per dose, if you have private health insurance we recommend to check if it is covered on your policy. Any student in first year of second level school in the 2020/2021 school year who had opted into the programme, but missed their second dose due to school closures will be offered an appointment to compete the course. If you miss a dose due to absence, contact your local school vaccination team to arrange an appointment. Some useful websites that are a good resource for information are listed below.  Please contact our support line on 1800 200 700 or by emailing supportline@irishcancer.ie if you would like any information or advice from a cancer nurse. https://www.hse.ie/eng/health/immunisation/pubinfo/schoolprog/hpv/hpv-human-papillomavirus/ https://www.hse.ie/eng/health/immunisation/pubinfo/schoolprog/hpv/hpv-vaccination-programme/ https://www.hse.ie/eng/health/immunisation/pubinfo/schoolprog/hpv/about/ http://www.hpra.ie/docs/default-source/vaccine-pils/gardasil-9-01-2020.pdf?sfvrsn=2

My dad died on 3rd August 2021 only 4 weeks after receiving a lung cancer diagnosis. The doctors thought he would have at least a year to live but unfortunately he got an infection and died very suddenly. The cancer had already first to his spine which was broken in 2 places and his brain. He was still making jokes despite the pain he was in. He had been suffering with back pain for months but had been to the GP 4 times who says he had a slipped disk and did no tests. My dad was a very heavy smoker. I'm living in Australia and because of travel restrictions I did not get home in time to see him which I don't think I will ever get over. I loved him so much. I turned 27 a few days after he died and had not seen him in almost 2 years. I feel I missed out on so much precious time with him. He absolutely loved children and it breaks my heart that he will never meet mine if I have them. I had planned to take 3 months unpaid leave to come home and be with him and care for him. Even though this would have meant I might have been giving up my life in Australia. None of us thought he would go that quickly, especially my Dad who never gave up hope. Maybe it was better for him that he didn't have to go through loads of treatments and chemotherapy. It all feels like too much to bear at times.

Hi Everyone, I hope you are all doing well. I may as well jump right in. My mother received a stage 4 TNBC diagnosis a couple of months ago...two small tumours on her lungs. She's mid seventies. I recently committed the cardinal sin of researching her diagnosis on Google and am sick with worry as a result. I know this is the most aggressive type of BC with limited treatment options compared to other BCs. She has started on oral chemo and radiation but I know the long term prognosis is very poor (12% five year survival rate). Her medical team have not explained the aggressive nature of this cancer with her and course I am keeping my fears to myself. I guess I was wondering if anyone had any advice for the journey ahead? There are so few positive stories for this type of cancer. It seems that nobody survives this diagnosis for very long. I don't know what to do. I'm desperately trying to stay positive but I just don't see how. I can't eat or sleep. Are there trials in Ireland that she could participate in? Anyway....thanks for reading and best wishes to you all.

Hello, Has anyone experienced a rare tongue tumor at the back of their tongue?

Hi to you all, I recently had a diagnosis of Vulval Cancer and following on from surgery in St James hospital was there any Gynae Support groups for women that anyone is aware of. thanks for reading this post and look forward to hearing from you.,

Hi all, I was diagnosed with DCIS 10 years ago. I had 2 surgeries to remove it. Then I had my radiotherapy 30 sessions. Everything went like clockwork. Then my husband started having heart problems. Well long story short I start looking after him. This all happened at the same time as my surgery. Anyway I'm on a waiting list for reconstruction as I'm lopsided. Where would I get the bras and prosthetics. I can't wear anything tight. Thank you and I wish you all well on your journey.

I recently had surgery on my ovary. I was told post op that my ovary “appeared suspicious” and a biopsy was taken. I have been given a follow up appointment for a 6 week post op check up. I know it’s hard to say, but if it was/is anything cancer related would I be called and informed or would some biopsy results take that long?

My Mam has been diagnosed with lymphoma non hodgkin she’s in hospital almost 3 weeks. We are hopeful that she will start her chemo on Tuesday as she has to go to another hospital tomorrow for another scan. The consultant is worried, as the lump is six inches and is close to one of her organs and when the lump shrinks this may damage the organ, if this happens she will have to have an operation, for this reason they will keep her in hospital for her first chemo session. My Mam is sixty years of age, she is healthy and has a good heart before was admitted to the hospital she would have usually went on a daily power walk and sometimes she would do a jog, I am hoping her good enough health will help her through the chemo and she has a strong heart. I am not sure what to expect when she comes out of hospital I am not sure where I can buy her hats as she will lose her hair as it’s strong chemo they are going in with. What can I do to make my Mam’s life easier when she returns home is there certain things I should buy and what should I expect when she’s going through chemo? Thanks for any advise 🙏