Immersive Read: Open your eyes to cancer and #ExamineYourself. It could save your life

In conclusion to our #ExamineYourself cancer awareness week we have developed this must read immersive story. Please read as it may save your life or the life of someone close to you.

[section][options][type]ONE_COLUMN[/type][parallax]bg-skin-8.jpg[/parallax][customcssclass]header[/customcssclass][sectionid]top-page[/sectionid][/options][content][column1][title]Examine Yourself: Open your eyes to cancer.
It could save your life.[/title][/column1][/content][/section]

[section][options][type]TWO_COLUMN[/type][fullheight]true[/fullheight][/options][content][column1][sticky][timgfull]DarinaAllenIEAd-3.jpg[/timgfull][/sticky][/column1][column2][subhead]In Ireland, more and more people are surviving cancer.[/subhead]Forty years ago, just three out of ten Irish people survived their cancer diagnosis. Today, six out of ten people do.However, we still have 40,000 new cases of cancer or related tumours being diagnosed each year.That is 40,000 people, 40,000, families, 40,000 homes, getting the news that no one wants to get. Every person who gets a cancer diagnosis is a story in itself and unfortunately there are too many of them around Ireland.With cancer, the most important thing we can do as individuals is to take steps to reduce our risk and be vigilant about the early signs and symptoms. Spotting cancer early can often mean the difference between life and death. The real difficulty with diagnosing cancer early is that cancer can cause almost any sign or symptom and many cancers have no obvious symptoms at all at an early stage. Often the initial warning signs are put down to getting older or to another health condition. It is important to know your body and to tell your doctor if you notice a change which isn’t normal for you. There are three main changes to look for. Unexplained changes such as a lump or swelling, bleeding that is not normal for you, unexplained weight loss or pain that doesn’t go away. People should also look out for persistent changes, like a cough, a sore that doesn’t heal, bloating, mouth ulcers or difficulty swallowing. Finally, unusual changes should be monitored such as changes in bowel movements, a change in a mole or changes in your breasts. If you experience any of these things, they should be followed up on with a doctor. To give yourself the best chance, it is vital that cancer is spotted early, and is treated.In terms of reducing our risk of cancer, about four in ten cancers are attributed to five lifestyle factors - tobacco, diet, overweight/obesity, alcohol and low physical activity - meaning that 40% of cancers are preventable.There is a growing awareness of health and wellbeing in Ireland and many people now are prepared to make changes to significantly reduce their risk of cancer.The number one thing people can do to improve their health and lower their risk of cancer is to quit smoking. Three in every ten cancers are caused by smoking and we would urge all smokers to make quitting their number one goal. Over 150,000 smokers successfully quit smoking in the last year which is really positive, and we need to keep those smoking rates going down. Another way people can reduce their risk is by getting physically active. At the Irish Cancer Society, we would advise people to limit their time sitting and aim to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day.Regular physical activity helps to protect against some types of cancer coming back and other types of cancer developing. There is clear evidence to tell us that physical activity and exercise can reduce your risk of breast, bowel and womb cancer. It may also help prevent lung cancer. There are also many other benefits to being active. Physical activity helps to reduce the symptoms of fatigue, the side-effects of cancer treatments, and improves your overall wellbeing and heart health.Being active and having a healthy diet also contributes to maintaining a healthy weight, which after not smoking, is the most important thing you can do to reduce your risk of cancer. It is really important we do all we can to maintain a healthy weight to lower the risk of cancer.[/column2][/content][/section]