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Cancer Screening and Early Detection

Finding cancer early offers the best chance of treating it.

Some cancers have screening programs to find cancer early, but for other cancers you need to be aware of what is normal for you and see your doctor if you notice any unusual changes.

Check for unusual changes

See your doctor if you notice unusual changes like:

  • lumps, sores or ulcers that don't heal
  • unusual breast changes: lumps, lumpiness, a thickened area, unusual nipple discharge, a nipple that turns inwards (if it hasn't always been that way), a change in shape or colour or unusual pain
  • coughs or hoarseness that won't go away
  • unexplained weight loss
  • for women, any loss of blood, even if it's a few spots between your periods or after they've stopped
  • moles that have changed shape, size or colour, or bled
  • blood in a bowel motion
  • persistent changes in toilet habits.

These signs don't necessarily mean you have cancer, but it's important to have them checked out.

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Questions about cancer?

Call or email our experienced cancer nurses for information and support.

Contact a cancer nurse