Cancer Council WA urges people over the age of 40 to get new or unusual symptoms checked

Cancer Council WA is urging people over 40 in the Great Southern to get any new or unusual symptoms checked, warning delays in treatment can reduce survival rates.

Cancer Council Great Southern regional cancer prevention co-ordinator Bruce Beamish said the best New Year’s resolution you can make is looking after yourself.

“The holiday season gets pretty hectic, with a lot of focus on other people, so it’s easy to forget about ourselves,” he said.

“Taking a little time to talk with your doctor about any symptoms can help you stay healthy for the moments that matter most.”

People experiencing symptoms such as difficulties urinating, diarrhoea, unexplained weight loss, unusual pain, a new or changing spot on the skin or swelling anywhere in the body for more than four weeks, should get checked.

Mr Beamish said people should be aware of changes that are not normal for them.

“If you notice a change that is not normal for you, see your doctor, clinic nurse or Aboriginal health worker, especially if you have coughed up blood or noticed blood in your poo or pee,” he said.

Mr Beamish said surveys showed many regional West Australians over the age of 40 did not believe they were at-risk of cancer and assumed that regular GP visits or blood tests would detect the disease, which may not be the case.

He said that having symptoms does not necessarily mean you have cancer, but it is important to discuss them with your doctor just in case.

For more information, visit findcancerearly.com.au or call the Cancer Council Information and Support Line on 13 11 20.