World Cancer Day
Spotting the signs – why early awareness matters
In our increasingly busy lives, it’s easy to dismiss changes in our health or put off seeing a doctor when we feel that something isn’t quite right. This World Cancer Day (February 4th), take the time to listen to your body.
While we can’t control every risk factor, spotting the signs early can make a life-changing difference. Early diagnosis often leads to more treatment options, better outcomes, and faster recovery. Many cancers can be treated successfully when caught early.
However, symptoms are often subtle at first and can be mistaken for stress, fatigue, or everyday aches and pains – especially in a workplace environment where people are used to ‘pushing through’.
Being aware of the warning signs doesn’t mean automatically assuming the worst. Many symptoms will not be cancer, but getting confirmation early can provide reassurance and prompt treatment if needed.
Common warning signs to be aware of
Cancer symptoms vary widely depending on type, but some general warning signs to pay attention to include:
- Unexplained lumps or swellings anywhere on the body
- Persistent fatigue that doesn’t improve with adequate rest
- Unexplained weight loss
- Ongoing pain with no clear cause
- Changes in bowel or bladder habits
- A cough that lasts for more than three weeks
- Changes to a mole (size, shape, colour, itching, or bleeding)
- Sores that don’t heal
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
Removing barriers to getting checked
Many people delay seeing a GP until an issue becomes more severe because of lengthy waiting lists and lacking the time to do so, and workplaces are well placed to promote cancer awareness in a way that is accessible and non-intrusive. Providing clear, reliable information during events such as World Cancer Day helps to normalise conversations about health and encourages people to notice potential symptoms.
Actions such as providing symptom information and flyers, organising a Know Your Numbers Day where staff can get their vital statistics checked from the comfort of their own office, or even simply sending out an intranet post reminding people of the importance of early detection can all be effective ways to encourage people to get checked and empowering them to take charge of their own health.
Providing support in a meaningful way
Support goes beyond simply raising awareness. Creating a culture where employees feel able to prioritise their health is key. This can include flexible working hours to enable staff to attend medical appointments, providing health and wellbeing days where staff can take the time to check in on their mental and physical health, or even providing in-house support.
For those affected by cancer personally or through a loved one, compassionate management, clear policies, and good communication can make a significant difference. When people know that they will be supported, they’re more likely to make getting checked when they don’t feel right a priority.
This World Cancer Day, take a moment to check in with yourself – and encourage others to do the same. Your health is worth it.