Personal Health IE - Q1 2022

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Q1 2022 | A promotional supplement distributed on behalf of Mediaplanet, which takes sole responsibility for its content

Personal Health A Mediaplanet campaign focused on

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“Detecting cancer early gives the best opportunity for a good outcome if we are diagnosed.”

Dr Robert O’Connor Director of Research, Irish Cancer Society

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“There are many causes of heart failure.”

Norma Caples National Nurse Lead, Heart Failure Programme Ireland Cathy Farrell President, Irish Association of Heart Failure Nurses

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Talk to you doctor if you have concerns about cancer One in two of us will have a cancer diagnosis in our lifetime and cancer is the leading cause of death in Ireland, but there is a lot we can do to help prevent this outcome.

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hile prevention is clearly important, everyone is at risk of developing cancer. Detecting cancer early gives the best opportunity for a good outcome if we are diagnosed. So what can we do to help ensure the best outcome?

Dr Robert O’Connor Director of Research, Irish Cancer Society

Looking out for signs and symptoms It is important to be aware of your body and if you notice any unusual change in how your body works, talk to your doctor. The chances are it will not be cancer but getting it checked is not a waste of anyone’s time, and it could even save your life.

Some of the signs you should check with a doctor: • A lump or swelling • Bleeding that is not normal for you • Unexplained weight loss or prolonged tiredness or fatigue • Pain that does not go away after three or more weeks • A persistent cough, changes in your voice, hoarseness that lasts longer than three weeks or feeling short of breath (most especially if you smoke) • A sore or bruise that does not heal • Difficulty swallowing, ongoing indigestion or heartburn • A mouth or tongue ulcer present for three weeks or more • A change in your bowel or bladder habits, persistent bloating, constipation, diarrhoea or problems passing urine for more than three weeks • A new mole or change in shape, size or colour to an existing mole • Any change in your breast- many breast cancers, especially in younger women do not present as a ‘lump’

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Together the person and their cancer team can weigh the benefits and risks of each cancer treatment to determine which is best for them.

Getting treatment and support Cancer treatment is a complex process that differs from person to person and we are fortunate that our cancer doctors and healthcare professionals have world-class training. On diagnosis, the person will meet with their oncology team (cancer team) and an individualised treatment plan will be devised.

Treatment options depend on several factors, such as the type and stage of cancer, person’s general health and preferences. Together the person and their cancer team can weigh the benefits and risks of each cancer treatment to determine which is best for them.

Receiving a cancer diagnosis is a very worrying time.

It is normal to feel overwhelmed and confused. Talking with your doctor/cancer team and learning all you can about your diagnosis and your treatment options can help.

The Irish Cancer Society provides a range of supports for anyone impacted by cancer, be they patient or family members.

Contact information: uk.info@mediaplanet.com or +44 (0) 203 642 0737

The Irish Cancer Society Support Line is here to help with advice and information on cancer. Speak to a dedicated cancer nurse on Freephone 1800 200 700 or email SupportLine@ IrishCancer.ie

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Project Manager: Robert Joyce robert.joyce@mediaplanet.com Business Development Manager: Lucy Harris Managing Director: Alex Williams Head of Ireland: Ross Bannatyne Head of Production: Kirsty Elliott Designer: Thomas Kent Design & Content Assistant: Aimee Rayment Digital Manager: Harvey O’Donnell Paid Media Strategist: Jonni Asfaha Social & Web Editor: Henry Phillips Digital Assistant: Carolina Galbraith Duarte All images supplied by Gettyimages, unless otherwise specified

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Date of preparation: February 2022

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Knowing the symptoms of heart failure could save your life The majority of adults in Ireland do not fully understand heart failure, mistakenly thinking the symptoms are similar to those of a heart attack and that heart failure means that your heart stops.

H Norma Caples National Nurse Lead, Heart Failure Programme Ireland

eart failure (HF) is when the pump action of the heart is not working efficiently and as a result your body starts to retain fluid. People who have heart failure may experience a loss of normal physical functioning owing to symptoms such as severe breathlessness and fatigue.

Additionally, the typical signs for heart failure include swelling of the legs, increase in weight despite no change in diet or waking up from your sleep feeling breathless. If you have symptoms of heart failure it is vital you go to your doctor to be checked out.

There are many causes of heart failure, but many common ones are previous angina, heart attacks or high blood pressure so those with those conditions may be at highest risk of HF. Although it can occur in those without any heart history.

Heart failure services throughout Ireland continue to strive to improve patients’ experiences of care and quality of life by raising awareness about the importance of recognising heart failure, getting an accurate diagnosis and receiving optimal treatment. If you have heart failure your GP may be able to refer you to a community diagnostic clinic if there is one in your area.

If you have symptoms of heart failure it is vital you go to your doctor to be checked out.

Diagnosing heart failure To test if you may have heart failure your GP may need a blood test. If this is positive, it means you need more investigations to determine if you have the condition. One of these is an echocardiogram or ultrasound of the heart.

This test will examine the pumping function of the heart and help the doctor to give you a diagnosis.

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Preventing heart failure You can also help prevent getting heart failure by keeping your diabetes well controlled, ensure your blood pressure is in the normal range, eating healthy which includes avoiding excess salt, sugar, fat, avoid being overweight, stop smoking, limit alcohol and engaging in daily exercise.

Cathy Farrell President, Irish Association of Heart Failure Nurses

The Irish Heart Foundation helps those diagnosed to live well with heart failure. As you move from hospital to home, heart failure patients can access a Nurse Support Line to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

The ‘Heart Support Network’ Facebook group helps connect with others living with a heart condition, counselling, exercise sessions, monthly meetings with health care professionals working in heart failure, and a range of further information and support.

Please email heartfailure@irishheart.ie or phone 01 6685001

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