Cancer Awareness Month This month is Ovarian and Prostate Cancer Awareness month and we want to make colleagues aware of these cancers and signpost to any help, information and support that is available. Ovarian cancer
There are around 7,000 women a year diagnosed with ovarian cancer (cancer of the ovaries), which is on average 20 per day. The most common cancer to start in the ovaries is epithelial cancer, accounting for 85% to 90% of ovarian cancers. There are various types of epithelial cancer ranging from common to rare: Serous cancer is the most common type of ovarian cancer. Mucinous cancer is rare and can be difficult to diagnose. Endometrioid ovarian cancer is the second most common type of epithelial ovarian cancer. It can be linked to endometriosis. Most cases of endometrioid ovarian cancer are diagnosed at an early stage and are low grade. Clear cell is rare. It can be linked to endometriosis. Ovarian cancer often causes symptoms that are similar to other more common and less serious conditions. Below are some of the symptoms of ovarian cancer: A long-lasting bloated or swollen tummy. Loss of appetite or feeling full quickly when you eat. Pain in the lower tummy area or back. Passing urine more often than usual. Passing urine more urgently (feeling like you can’t hold on). Click here for further information. Prostate cancer Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men over 65 in the UK. Unfortunately, prostate cancer often grows slowly and symptoms may not develop for many years. Men with early prostate cancer may not have any symptoms, as these only happen when the cancer is large enough to press on the tube that carries the urine from the bladder out of the penis (urethra).
There are different types of prostate cancer: Early prostate cancer (or localised prostate cancer). Locally-advanced prostate cancer. Advanced prostate cancer (or metastatic prostate cancer). The symptoms of benign (non-cancerous) enlargement of the prostate and prostate cancer are similar. They can include: Difficulty urinating, for example, a weak flow or having to strain to start peeing. Needing to urinate more often than usual, especially at night. Feeling like you have not completely emptied your bladder after peeing. An urgent need to pee. Blood in the urine or semen. Rarely, pain when peeing or ejaculating. Click here for further information. If you have any of these symptoms or are concerned, it is important to have them checked by your doctor.
Together we stay stronger
Worried about cancer?
If you are worried about cancer for any reason, please click here to view Macmillan’s website, which has information on the causes, risk factors, signs and symptoms and cancer screening.
Click here for information from Bupa on how cancer can affect you mentally, emotionally, and how best to cope during and after cancer. Click here to view the support and guidance you need from Macmillan. Click here to see a selection of the financial support including the continuation of mortgage holidays, claiming tax relief for home working and requesting a PCP car finance review that you may be able to access during COVID. Click here for things that can increase your risk of getting cancer. Find out what these might be and the possible changes you could make to reduce your risk. Many studies have found that regular physical activity can reduce the risk of cancer. You should try to do at least 30 minutes of activity every day. Your cancer risk is reduced further if you are active for more than 30 minutes a day and if you complete exercise that is more vigorous. Health & Wellbeing webinars
Below are details of the health and wellbeing sessions available throughout the month with some of our health and wellbeing partners. Click on the date below to register. Managing our own stress and mental health: Wednesday 3 March - 2.30pm Understanding and managing our own stress and mental health in light of some of the challenges faced by COVID-19 and beyond. The Power of Thinking: Thursday 4 March - 10.30am Mental health is how we think, feel and behave. This 1-hour webinar will focus on thinking, including how our thinking can influence stress positively and negatively, identifying some common thinking errors we might make, and learning some tips to enable us to become skilled thinkers to cope better with the challenges we face. Food for the Mind: Tuesday 9 March - 10:30am In this high energy, engaging and eye opening workshop we’ll provide a refreshing new angle to those looking for practical solutions to boost their mood through food, and increase their productivity at work and at home.
What the Body Needs: Thursday 11 March - 10:30am This workshop is designed to demonstrate the role nutrition can play in our health and performance around a working day, bring a perception of balance to optimum nutrition for us day to day, and help you gain control and structure over food choices and what they mean to us. Introduction to Meditation Workshop: Wednesday 24 March - 10.00am This webinar explains how stress affects the body and our everyday lives including productivity, immune system and the ability to adapt to challenging situations. Meditation has been shown to not only reduce stress, positively affect sleep and contribute to feelings of connectedness. The session includes a guided meditation experience and an opportunity for Q&A. The Learning and Development Team also offer a number of wellbeing webinars including their weekly Mindfulness sessions, visit MyLearning for details.
Look out for an exciting announcement about Macmillan Cancer Support in March.
What is coming in April? During the month of April we’ll be encouraging employees to ‘Get Active in April’ and provide information on chair yoga sessions we have available, Greatest HIIT workshop, couch to 5k, getting outdoors safely and exercises you can do at home.
Support available
We know that sometimes it can be difficult to manage the pressures of life or you may just want to speak to someone to get advice or support on an everyday issue. Whatever the need there is professional, confidential support and help available to you, and just some are detailed below:
For information, tools and links on many areas of health and wellbeing please click here to visit our My Barratt Benefits website