KNOW YOUR NORMAL
The most important relationship you will ever have, is with yourself...
A toolkit to help you become familiar with what is 'normal for you' so that you can spot the early warning signs that something might be wrong...
What is 'normal for you'?
In order to be able to spot early signs of disease, you need to regularly check in with yourself. There actually is no 'normal', but by normal here we mean what is your baseline...what your body does and is on a day to day basis.
Early detection of red flags for disease could be the difference between curable or incurable (for certain conditions). Knowledge is power - staying on top of your health and spotting things early, means earlier intervention. If ever in doubt, always visit your GP at the first signs of something being wrong.
TOP-TO-TOE
Regularly (at least once a month) get intimate with yourself. As in, 'head to toe' be aware of what is the norm for you. Every freckle on your skin, every lump and bump.
What is your usual pattern of migraines (if you have them)?
Do you poo every day or twice a week?
What is your usual period flow like?
Check your breasts at least once a month, not just feeling but looking.
If you’re not looking as well as feeling you may miss something. Your most intimate areas can still get cancer - the vulva, vagina, cervix and uterus are all different areas and can each get their own cancer.
Don’t be afraid to grab a mirror on your own and look!
First Stop - Your GP
Not every lump or bump is cancer.
Not every abdominal pain episode needs investigating with a scan.
Our bodies are ever changing, and adapt to our environment; stress, food, the weather, what we put them through on a day to day basis.
People get tired, run down, and our bodies react to the very being of existing.
If something doesn't feel right however, it is always best to get it checked. Sometimes the GP might want to adopt a 'watch and wait' approach - but that is for them to decide after they have seen you.
Sometimes keeping a symptom diary can help gather more information whilst waiting to see your GP.
RED FLAGS - What are they?
Red flags are what they sound like - changes in our body’s appearance or behaviour that is particularly concerning.
An example can be...
migraines that suddenly change in nature or frequency.
Change in bowel habit that is lasting for several weeks.
Bleeding (unusual or unexplained)
Night sweats.
Weight loss.
New lumps.
Chest pain.
Breathlessness.
Racing heart.
Change in voice (suddenly becoming hoarse).
New difficulty in swallowing.
These are warning signs from your body that something is going on.
Always visit your GP if you experience red flag symptoms.
Next Guide...Getting a Diagnosis...
If you have the early signs of a health condition, what happens next? Our next toolkit will guide you through what to expect.
OTHER RESOURCES TO HELP
ICE TOOLKIT
A guide to help you communicate with your doctor - using a tool that UK doctors are trained in. Sharing your Ideas, Concerns and Expectations.
BEYOND SUPPORT
Our range of support programmes to help you process what you have gone through or are going through.