Cancer Council launches program to find cancer early

Cancer Council WA is running its Find Cancer Early program to encourage country people over 40 years of age to prioritise their health in 2024 by knowing the two ways to detect cancer early.

South West regional education officer for the Cancer Council Julie Rose said one way to find cancer early was to first to be aware of cancer symptoms, and to then visit a local medical clinic if those symptoms exist.

“Research indicates regional West Aussies tend to present at the GP at a later stage, contributing to poorer cancer outcomes, so it is important to see your doctor straight away if you notice blood in your poo, blood in your pee, or you’ve coughed up blood,” she said.

“It doesn’t mean you’ve got cancer — often it turns out to be something less serious — but it is important to get checked.

“The benefit to finding cancer early is that you can be around longer to do the things you love doing with the people you love.”

The other way to detect cancer early is to participate in the three national screening programs for bowel cancer, breast cancer and cervical cancer.

“If you do not have any symptoms and you are eligible, please participate in Australia’s free national cancer screening programs,” Ms Rose said.

“But conversely, if you do have symptoms, waiting to participate in screening could delay your diagnosis and risk a worse outcome. So, if you do have a symptom, see your doctor.

“Remember, the earlier cancer is found, the greater the chance of successful treatment.”