It’s really important for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to keep taking care of your health, even during a pandemic. While cancer is more common as we get older, you can develop cancer at any age.
If you notice a change in your body, or a symptom that hasn’t gone away, contact your doctor or healthcare worker right away.
It’s also a good idea to know your body and know the symptoms to look out for.
Most changes won’t be due to cancer, but staying on top of your health means you will be around for your family and your Mob.
Cancer symptoms include:
- coughing up blood
- a new or changed cough that doesn’t go away
- a change in bowel or bladder habit, including bleeding
- any breast change, including a lump or sore that doesn’t go away
- persistent pain or discomfort
- unexplained weight loss or tiredness.
Your doctor and healthcare worker are there to look after your health as usual – contact them to arrange an appointment.
Participating in the national cancer screening programs for breast, bowel and cervical cancer can help to protect your health through early detection, even if you don’t have any symptoms of the disease.
Visit http://www.cancerscreening.gov.au for more information.
The earlier cancer is found, the better.
