Military Vs Cancer

Charity

Military vs Cancer

One in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with Cancer during their lifetime. This article with discuss potential early warning signs for Cancer, when to see your MO, and how to reduce your risk.

Scribe: WO1 David Bathgate (Founder of Military vs Cancer)

Military vs Cancer raised £28,000 during a black-tie event in Northumberland. The money raised has been ring fenced between Macmillan Cancer support and Cancer Research UK

What is Cancer?

Cancer occurs when cells in the body start to grow uncontrollably and do not die. In some Cancers, this growth is aggressive, and these cells can spread to other parts of the body and interfere with essential organ function, leading to death. If caught early, before they have spread, a lot of Cancers can be fully treated. There is no single cause for Cancer and they can occur almost anywhere in the body, but some cancers are more common than others.

The most common Cancers in the UK are lung, bowel, skin, prostate Cancer in men, and breast Cancer in women. During the COVID Pandemic the number of new Cancers being diagnosed dropped significantly, and Cancer now worry that thousands of early Cancers have been missed as people avoided going to their GPs.

How to spot Cancer early

On Ops, we are taught to be vigilant for the “absence of normal”. The same principle applies when thinking about the early signs of cancer. If you notice something change from normal for you, then talk to your doctor as soon as possible.

Sometimes problems are well known to be linked to certain types of Cancers. Common ones include:

Breast: a new lump or changes in the size, shape or feel of a breast, nipple inversion, skin changes, or discharges.

Testicular: Lumps or pain in the testicle, or blood in the semen.

Skin: A new or changing mole. A good way to remember this is ABCD (Asymmetry, irregular Border, change in Colour, increase in Diameter)

Bowel: Blood in your poo, or a change in how often you go to the loo (either more or less, or loose and watery, or hard stools)

Lung: A cough that lasts more than three weeks (which is not related to COVID infection) or unexplained shortness of breath.

Prostate: Difficulty peeing or going more often (getting up frequently in the night) or changes in sexual function.

Other signs are less specific, and commonly caused by things other than Cancer, but you should discuss them with your doctor anyway. These can include heartburn that keeps coming back, bleeding when you pee, bleeding between periods, unexplained tiredness, weight loss, lumps that do not go away after a few weeks in your neck, armpit or groin, appetite loss, or a constant feeling of being bloated.

Some Cancers run in families, and you should be especially vigilant if you have an immediate family member (a parent, Brother or Sister) or two or more distant relatives (such as a Cousin or Grandparent) with a type of Cancer. Make sure you tell your GP when you discuss your concerns.

Because there are so many different types of Cancer, it can occur at any age. There is no single reason why some people get Cancer. It is thought to be a combination of factors related to our genetics, environment, and disposition. But there are some lifestyle factors which we can change to reduce our risk of developing certain Cancers, such as stopping smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, eating a diet of plenty of fibrous fruit and vegetables, and minimising time in the sun.

Of these, giving up smoking is one of the most effective ways of reducing your overall risk of developing Cancer in your lifetime. For advice regarding products and support services available to help you give up smoking speak to your Practice Nurse.

Speaking to your MO

Often military life gets too busy to feel like you have time to go to the Doctors, especially around deployments, but getting any concerns seen to before you go is especially important.

The UK has a national screening programme for cervical, bowel and breast Cancers. If you are eligible, check you are in date for screening tests such as your “smear test” for cervical Cancer if you are over 26, as part of your pre-deployment medical readiness checks.

Worrying that you may have Cancer can be extremely stressful. A good tip is to write down changes you have noticed and take this to your MO, so you remember everything when you go in.

Maj Page RAMC is an Army Advocate for the CanDID Network

“As a result of my own experiences with Cancer I understand better how frightening it can be to go to the Doctors, especially when you are worried that there is something seriously wrong. No Doctor will laugh at you or accuse you of time wasting for getting something that you are worried about checked. That’s what we are here for! And remember that however personal the problem, don’t be embarrassed, there is literally nothing we haven’t seen or heard before.’’

Maj Page RAMC

Maj (Retd) Mark Turner REME Maj (Retd) Mark Turner – REME 1976 to 2010

In May 2019 I had the dreaded diagnosis that a swollen neck lymph gland was in fact a secondary Cancer, the primary cause turned out to be my right tonsil and had followed a few weeks of seasonal cold and flu symptoms. Treatment was surgery to remove my tonsils and the tumour and then 5 weeks of Radiotherapy.

Ironically, I did not suffer a single day of illness from the Cancer itself, however the effects of the treatments, both surgery and more especially Radiotherapy, were nothing short of brutal. It left my mouth and throat severely blistered and ulcerated, saliva glands which shut down and a complete loss of taste; being unable to eat food easily led to weight loss in excess of 22kgs.

The treatment I received from the NHS, the supporting MacMillan Nurses and my family were outstanding, and I will be ever grateful. However, I also believe that my own a positive attitude as a result of my military training and career contributed hugely to my survival. This August will mark 3 years free of the big C and although I am fit and well and my taste is largely back to normal, certain foods still leave my mouth very dry and uncomfortable, so the effects endure.

Like all Cancer treatment though the key is early diagnosis, I would urge anyone finding abnormal lumps or bumps to get them checked soonest.

Lt Col Laura Ellis REME Deputy Chief Safety (Army)

I had an abnormal smear when I was 26, from there I went to see a specialist, had a biopsy and was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Cancer so had to go straight (within 2 weeks) for surgery to have most of my cervix removed and lymph nodes cut out. Chemo and Radiotherapy all in all it took about 4 months which was awful but at least I didn’t lose my hair which was biggest worry (I sound so vain saying that, but it was my first thought!). 5 years later I was declared Cancer free yeah, but then 16 years later have been diagnosed with Lymphedema which is a biproduct of the Radiotherapy. I now get frequent (Monthly) Urinary Tract Infections which is another biproduct of the treatment, there is no cure, so living with those two things for the rest of my life. The morale of my story is to get your smears as it saved my life. I had no symptoms at all, just the abnormal yearly smear which led to a specialist appointment, so I was very lucky that I caught it when I did. Lt Col Ellis REME The consultant said If I had missed my yearly smear it would have spread so much they wouldn’t have been able to do anything. Do not miss your appointments.

LCpl Crosby attached to 1 Close Support Battalion REME

I was promoted to LCpl in October 2020, I was then deployed on Covid testing over December-January in Preston with my unit. I come back from being deployed on Covid testing at the end of January, I went on leave for two weeks and it was at that point I realised something wasn’t right.

Sat in my room playing Xbox, I felt like I was kicked in the testicles, it went on for about half an hour, I contacted 111 and they said to arrange an appointment with a Doctor asap. I went to the medical centre in Catterick and the Doctor did his checks and he wasn’t happy, he knew something wasn’t right. 12th February 2021 was the day I went to the hospital and got diagnosed with testicular Cancer.

Luckily, I caught it quick, and 2 weeks after being diagnosed, I had my operation to remove the full left side of the testicle, which was a success and they took the full 100% of the Cancer.

The hospital at Darlington then sent me over to the James Cook Cancer Unit, where I am checked every three months. During the hospital transition I was sat for about a week and my mental health started to go downhill fast, luckily, I contacted Macmillan and they got me counselling sessions.

I was on sick leave till around July/August, then I went back to work and had to start again from scratch building my fitness back up.

MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT

Macmillan Cancer Support do whatever it takes to ensure people affected by Cancer get the support they need right now. Whether that’s providing Cancer information, help with finances or just

someone to talk to. They help anyone affected by Cancer live life as fully as they can. For information, support or just someone to talk to, call 0808 808 00 00 or visit macmillan.org.uk

Chronic Conditions and Disabilities in Defence (CanDID) Network

The Chronic Conditions and Disabilities In Defence (CanDID) Network provides support by connecting service personnel who share similar circumstance and experience of illness and disability while advocating and educating the chain of command and line managers to better understand how to support their personnel. If you wish to reach out to CanDID contact AFNetworks-CANDID-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk.

Military vs Cancer

Military vs Cancer is bringing all 3 military arms together for the public benefit, support people affected by Cancer, in particular but not exclusively by (a) raising funds to support organisations who provide diagnosis, treatment and emotional support to patients and families during the ongoing stages of their Cancer journey (b) purchase Cancer support equipment, goods or services.”

Website: www.militaryvscancer.com

Email: info@militaryvscancer.com

By Sea, Land, Air and All, together let’s make Cancer fall.

LCpl Dan Crosby, helping raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support

MILITARY VS CANCER RAFFLE

BRANDS HATCH HOSPITALITY PACKAGE VIP TICKETS –Follow the QR Code below 2 x hospitality package VIP Tickets to the final British Touring Cars Championship race of 2022 on Sunday 9th Octoberat Brands Hatch courtesy of BRISTOL STREET MOTORS HYUNDAI NOTTINGHAM

Package Includes: All Pre Event Organisation including Joining Instructions / A thorough Guest Information Arrival Document Circuit Entry Tickets / Golf Buggy Meet and Greet from Entrance Gates Breakfast, Lunch & Afternoon Tea / Prosecco, wine and beers Light beverages like tea, coffee and cold drinks / A grid walk for at least one BTCC Race Garage Access and a Garage Tour / Q&A Session with EXCELR8 BTCC Drivers

Tickets are available to be purchased upuntil 20th Sept 22. Draw takes place 24 Sept 22

(Registered charity number 1199115)