Jade Goody's journey with cervical cancer and her death in 2009 led to an incredible increase in awareness of the illness. 

The star was most famous for stints on reality shows such as the UK's 2002 and 2007 seasons of Big Brother along with the 2008 season of India's local version, Bigg Boss. This was where Jade learnt about her cancer diagnosis live on air, after doctors gave her a screening - otherwise known as a smear test - before she flew out for the show. Following her terminal diagnosis less than six months after she left India, there was a significant increase in the number of women who underwent cervical cancer screenings.

Known as The Jade Goody Effect, researchers believe that this increase mirrored the immense media coverage of Jade's cancer diagnosis and later death. They say the uptake in screenings led to significantly more diagnoses of early cervical cancer, saving many lives. Attendance for cervical cancer screenings had been at a low before this tragic event.

At the time of Jade's death, it seemed as though she went from being healthy to extremely unwell in just a short period of time. But shortly before she died, leaving behind young sons Bobby and Freddie, Jade revealed that she'd had symptoms of cervical cancer for three years.

A timeline of how Jade Goody's cancer developed

1997

Jade has abnormal cells removed from her cervix, at the age of 15.

According to the NHS Cancer Screening Programme, this is incredibly rare. In 2006 only 54 women under the age of 25 died from cervical cancer. In 2016 854 people died from cervical cancer in England.

Symptoms of cervical cancer at a young age could include abnormal bleeding (such as during the menstrual cycle and after sex) and abnormal discharge. However, these symptoms could be caused by a number of things, and don’t necessarily mean you’ve got cervical cancer.

March 2004

Jade received treatment for a burst ovarian cyst.

At the time, Jade was competing in Five's TV show, Back To Reality, which saw former reality television stars battle it out to win £75,000 for charity. According to BBC News reports from the time, Jade - who was just 23 at the time - was taken to hospital after collapsing on set. She went through a series of tests and stayed overnight in hospital as a precaution.

Her spokesperson also had to dispel myths that Jade was pregnant at the time with her second child. She said, "She hasn't fallen pregnant overnight, she's definitely not."

November 2006

After being rushed to hospital with stomach pains for the second time in two years, Jade was tested for ovarian cancer and bowel cancer. But she got the all clear.

May 2007

Jade and boyfriend Jack Tweed announced Jade was pregnant. But she had a miscarriage at 12-weeks.

September 2007

Jade said she was losing blood when she went to the toilet - but doctors said she had had another miscarriage.

"The thing is the tumour was so big I had it falling out of me while I was on the loo," she said later on. "I had black stuff falling out of me. It was like tar. I remember being at the doctor and sobbing, 'What's wrong with me?'."

Just one month before this, Jade had collapsed and was bleeding heavily for the fourth time in four years. She said, "I was doubled over in pain, losing clots of blood again. There was blood all over my bathroom and all over my stairs.

Later, she told Now magazine, "I was on my own and I had to call an ambulance. I was in too much pain to walk down the stairs. I'd get these really bad pains, like really bad period pain. I'd get spasms in my la-la and my stomach.

"They were so severe, I couldn't walk. I'd be too weak to stand up. Blood would just come out."

February 2008

Photographers snap Jade coming out of the doctor's - she told them she is undergoing tests for cancer.

August 2008

Jade went to hospital after collapsing and losing blood. She was kept in while experts tried to find the cause and she revealed it was the fourth time this had happened over 4 years.

Later the same month, two days after entering the local Indian version of Big Brother, Jade was called into the Diary Room and told she had cervical cancer.

Jade revealed that she had had abnormal cells removed from her cervix three times in the past. She also admitted to Heat magazine that she ignored a letter about abnormal results from a smear test because she was scared about going to the hospital again.

"When I heard I had more abnormal cells I thought, 'this is the fourth time I've been told I need to have the same operation now,'" she said.

"Once you have them burnt off they shouldn't come back, I was too scared."

The NHS Cancer Screening Programme says: An abnormality in a smear test doesn't necessarily mean you've got cancer, sometimes it just means you've got an abnormality that can go away on its own. Abnormalities have 4 levels and doctors can treat even the most serious before cells become cancerous.

If you get an abnormal result from a smear test it is essential you go back to your hospital.

September 2008

On September 1, news outlets reported that Jade's cancer was now "advanced and life threatening". She would go on to have a surgery, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy, at which time the doctors gave her a 65% chance of survival.

Her publicist said the procedures, which included a hysterectomy "went well". Although in an interview with Irish broadcaster RTÉ, Jade said that she had begun to plan her funeral and was losing her hair. She also confirmed that she had decided not to tell her children, aged just 4 and 5 at the time, about her illness.

January 2009

Jade experienced more stomach pains and had to pull out of a pantomime for emergency kidney blockage treatment. She discharged herself from hospital, but went back in after becoming ill and collapsing.

She told Philip Schofield on This Morning shortly afterwards, "I just want to carry on being to the boys and to myself normal and I'm quite naive with the whole cancer thingy. I haven't done any research or anything and I don't want to know. I only know what I need to know, which is this is my medication and this is that, this is when I get better.

"I don't want to know the ins and outs and because it's too much for my brain to take it in. It really is."

February 2009

On February 4, Jade's publicist revealed that the cancer had reached her liver, bowel and groin. Previous to this, doctors gave her a 40% chance of survival but they withdrew this following the diagnosis and Jade started treatment to prolong her life.

Jade begun a course of Topotecan, experimental drug, to help fight her illness. But doctors confirmed that the chemotherapy hadn't been as effective as they'd hoped and just three days later, her publicist confirmed that Jade had had another emergency surgery to remove a tumour from her bowel.

On Valentine's Day, her publicist reported that doctors from the Royal Marsden Hospital in London had confirmed her cancer as terminal. This meant she could die within weeks and at best case scenario, was only likely to survive a few months more.

"She was informed yesterday that tragically, she's terminally ill." Clifford said, "She was obviously devastated."

Jade made the decision early on to not tell her and former partner Jeff Brazier's sons about their mum's cancer diagnosis. After Jade became terminally ill, she and Jeff wrote a piece for their children about how she would be a star in the sky that they'd always be able to look up and see.

"She didn't want to tell them," Jeff told the Mail on Sunday's You magazine, "But she knew she had to do it became she wanted them to know the truth."

He added, "The thought of that always reduces me to tears. Our poor boys, poor Jade."

As recent as last year, Jeff opened up about raising their sons and keeping their mum's memory alive.

Following Jade's terminal diagnosis, medical organisations in the UK began to receive an extraordinary number of requests for cervical screenings from women. The uptake was visible particularly in younger women and in turn, it reversed the decade-long decline in screenings for women aged 25 to 29.

This huge increase in requests, following Jade's terminal illness diagnosis, also led to the government agreeing to review the NHS policy on cervical cancer screenings. The standard policy was to not screen for cervical cancer until the age of 25 in England and 20 in the rest of the UK. Jade issued a press release at the time to say she was "immensely proud" of her role in the review.

The review didn't create many changes though and the screening age is still 25 in England.

In February 2009, Jade married boyfriend Jack Tweed at the Down Hall Country Hotel near Hatfield Heath, Hertfordshire.

March 2009

Jade had an operation to take out a bowl blockage that was causing pain in the first days of the month. Following this, she went back to her home in Essex with her husband, Jack Tweed, by her side.

On March 22 2009, Jade Goody died in her sleep at home during the early hours of the morning. Her mother, husband and close family friend Kevin Adams were at her side when she died.

Jade's funeral was on April 4 2009 at St John's Anglican Church in Buckhurst Hill, Essex. While the service was a private ceremony for friends and family only, her sons did not attend.

She was later buried that day close to her home in Epping Forest.

How did Jade Goody get HPV?

It's not clear how Jade contracted HPV. However, according to the NHS, people spread human papillomavirus (HPV) predominantly through sexual activity.

The virus, of which there are over 100 different kinds, doesn't have any symptoms and most people don't even know they have it. It's also very common and the health service says that most people will actually get "some type" of HPV during the course of their life. Much like other sexually transmitted infections, you don't have to have sexual contact with loads of people to get HPV. You can contract the virus the very first time you engage in sexual activity.

While most people with HPV won't notice it, the virus can lead to other conditions such as genital warts or, in Jade's case, abnormal changes to the cells that can sometimes become cancer.

Jade contracted just one type of HPV, which according to the Centres for Disease Control (CDC) in the US, is responsible for 91% of all cervical cancer cases.

Since Jade's death, other celebrities have opened up about contracting HPV. Most recently, X Factor contestant and Loose Women star, Stacey Solomon, opened up about her own HPV diagnosis after struggling with the virus due to its reputation.

What were her symptoms?

Jade Goody had symptoms of cervical cancer for four years but doctors struggled to determine what was wrong.

Her symptoms included:

• Severe stomach pains
• Heavy bleeding
• Large, heavy blood clots
• Spasms in the vaginal area and stomach
• Leg pains
• Vomiting

However, the symptoms of cervical cancer aren't always obvious. The NHS says that the cancer may not cause any symptoms at all, until it's at an "advanced stage". This is why it's vital to attend cervical screenings.

As well as severe pain, other symptoms of cervical cancer include discomfort during sex. As well as an unpleasant or unusual vaginal discharge and pain in the lower back and/or pelvis. Once the cancer has reached a more advanced stage, those with the condition are likely to continue experiencing severe pain, constipation, loss of bladder and/or bowl control, leg swelling and severe vaginal bleeding.

How long did Jade Goody live with cancer?

After her return from India, doctors told Jade had she had been living with cancer for two years. They also told her that the tumour was the size of a tangerine. It was also present in more than half her womb.

Although, she experienced the early warning signs of cervical cancer from 1997 onwards.

How did Jade Goody find out about her cancer?

Jade Goody found out she had cancer in the Diary Room of Bigg Boss in 2009.

Before flying out, she had been suffering with pains in her leg and blood loss. These are both signs of cervical cancer. However, doctors could find nothing wrong on inspection. They offered Jade a smear test before they discharged her and she left the UK.

On her second day in the house, Jade's consultant told her that she had cancer. At first, Jade thought the phone call from her consultant was fake.

She said, "I asked the doctor what hospital I was born in. When he answered right, I thought, ‘Oh my God, it’s real.’ Then he said, ‘Jade, you’ve got cancer.’ The last thing on this planet I expected was for them to tell me that. I knew it wasn’t a joke then. My heart sank."

The producers of Bigg Boss promised not to film the conversation in the Diary Room. They did film the call between Jade and her agent.

Her spokesperson said at the time, "It looks like her cancer is at an early stage. But we will have to wait until she gets back to Britain and sees a specialist and has more tests."

What stage cancer did she have?

The doctors told Jade that the cancer was stage four, following a range of initial treatments. As she was in an advanced stage of the cancer, she would need a year of chemotherapy. With this, she only had a 50% chance of survival.

Following the eight-hour hysterectomy operation, the surgeons found that the cancer had spread to the tissue behind her womb. Jade's chances of survival dropped from 50% to zero.

During this time, Jade starred in a documentary-style television show. Jade: With Love followed her daily life through the cancer treatment.

Let's face it, no one particularly enjoys visiting their doctor and baring all about their health. But if you, or someone you know, is experiencing any of these 'embarrassing' symptoms, you should seek medical advice.

Sharing the intimate details of what might be bothering you with a relative stranger can feel awkward and uncomfortable, as well as slightly embarrassing.

But for men, it seems that the discomfort can unfortunately lead to not visiting the doctor nearly as much as women - in fact one survey, conducted by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, revealed that men are half as likely to visit the doctors with symptoms as women are, over a two-year-period.

And, a 2018 study of 1,000 men conducted by Gilette, shared that three quarters of men they spoke to put off going to the doctors, even when they were showing signs of an illness. But what's the reason? The study reported that a quarter of their respondents said it was because they didn't have time, with one in 10 consistently forgetting to book an appointment.

A 2016 online survey commissioned by the Orlando Health hospital system also revealed that 21 per ceet of men were afraid of finding out what may be wrong, while a further 18 per cent said they felt too uncomfortable during body exams (prostate or rectal), despite them being a able to identify signs of cancer in men.

How 'stoicism' is damaging men's health

And many people who have shared their opinions on the topic, have deduced that the British 'stiff upper lip', and outdated concepts of masculine 'soldiering on', could well be to blame, too.

John Chisholm, Chair of the British Medical Association’s Ethics Committee, told The Telegraph that the male culture of 'stoicism' is damaging men's health. “There is a cultural understanding that all men should be macho. But we need to understand that this expectation of stoic masculinity is putting lives at risks – men shouldn’t be bottling these things up,” said John.

But of course, men are just as likely to experience health issues as women, and with prostate cancer deaths (a cancer that affects only men) on the rise, it's vital to try and overcome these barriers to seeking help. So which embarrassing cancer symptoms should the men in our lives not be ignoring?

1) A painless lump in the breast area

It's not just women who can get breast cancer, although it's often considered to be a female-only cancer. Around 390 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK each year, according to Cancer Research UK, and the most common symptom is a lump in the breast area, which is nearly always painless.

Men will get similar symptoms to women, including a discharge from the nipple, swelling of the breast, a nipple retraction, lumps under the arm, or a rash on or around the nipple. If you're a man and experience any of the above symptoms, don't  hesitate to book in with your GP.

2) Lump on testicle

Although testicular cancer is one of the rarer forms of cancer, it is still important to pay attention to what feels normal for you and your body. Typical symptoms of the cancer include a painless swelling or lump in one of the testicles - so if you notice one, don't head straight to your doctors. When caught early, testicular cancer is highly treatable, so you'll be giving yourself the best chance if you seek medical advice as soon as possible.

But often, there's no need to panic unduly if you spot a lump on your testicle, as many can be harmless, with lots of them caused by something like a build-up of fluid (such as a cyst), or a swollen vein.

3) Inability to keep an erection

It's no doubt an embarrassing topic with plenty of stigma around it, but not being able to get and keep an erection is a serious and frustrating problem for men. It's estimated to affect 4.3 million men in the UK, and while erectile dysfunction can be temporary, due to stress, it's not something men need to suffer in silence about, with doctors now able to offer many effective treatments, such as hormone replacements or medicines, such as Viagra.

Erectile dysfunction may also be a sign of other health issues too - making it even more important to investigate. The NHS notes that ED can be an early sign of high blood pressure or diabetes, or even cardiovascular disease. So it's vital to seek help - however awkward it may feel.

4) Pain during urination, blood in urine, or a frequent need to urinate

Talking about your toilet habits is never pleasant, but discussing them with your doctor could save your life. The above symptoms, all to do with your urine, are some of the main symptoms of bladder cancer, as well as sudden urges to urinate. Bladder cancer is the 8th most common cancer for men, with around 7,200 new cases in 2016, compared to a smaller 2,600 in women.

However, it's important to know that these symptoms can all also be a sign of prostate cancer too, the most common cancer in men in the UK currently. These symptoms arise when the prostate grows large enough to affect the tube that carries urine out and away from the penis. Other prostate cancer symptoms include a weak urine flow, a feeling your bladder hasn't properly emptied, and taking a long time to pee.

5) Feeling anxious, depressed, or struggling to cope with life

The stigma surrounding men's health issues can be a huge barrier to seeking help - and this is no different when it comes to men's mental health too. The Samaritans report that in the UK, men are three times as likely to die by suicide than women, and the suicide rate is highest specifically amongst middle aged men - those aged between 45 and 49.

In a 2012 report, the Samaritans concluded that the increased suicide risk in men was down to a couple of important factors - including the societal expectations for them to be 'masculine', unemployment, as well as socio-economic class/status. They said, "Men compare themselves against a masculine ‘gold standard’ which prizes power, control and invincibility. Having a job and providing for the family is central to this, especially for working class men. When men believe they are not meeting that standard, they feel a sense of shame and defeat."

It can be incredibly difficult to open up to your mental health to loved ones, let alone a health care professional - but it's vital that we do. Sharing how we're feeling can take away some of the burden, and is the very first step in getting help, knowing that it really can get better. Remember, mental health issues are nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed about, with hundreds of thousands of people suffering - in fact, the Mental Health Foundation says that 1 in 6 adults experience a common mental health problem every week, including anxiety, panic attacks and depression.

If you feel like you are struggling, visit the Mind website HERE. either click their 'Talk to us' button, or their 'I need urgent help' button.

And. book an appointment with your GP today.

Two million people in the UK are living with cancer or the aftermath of it, and each year around 55,000 women and 370 men are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in the UK.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, but you should be checking your breasts all year round, no matter what your family history, for changes that could be a sign of breast cancer.

70 per cent of breast cancer cases are discovered by women themselves, noticing a change in their breasts, and this is why it is so important to be breast aware, to be confident about how to check your breasts, know the symptoms of breast cancer, what to look for and when to seek help.

This comes as new research from the Breast Size Satisfaction Survey (BSSS) reveals a link between how happy you are with your breast size and you're likelihood to be breast aware - and so able to notice changes that could be indicative of cancer.

Worryingly, according to the survey, just over 70 percent of women worldwide are unhappy with the size of their breasts - with the UK topping the unhappiness scale.

With this in mind and as breast cancer is the most common cancer in UK women, we've worked with Breast Cancer Care to put together five easy ways to check your breasts. Breast cancer may be scary, but the quicker it's found, the more effective the treatments may be, so don't delay in going to your GP if you find something unusual.

Another person in the UK is diagnosed with breast cancer every 10 minutes, so get checking, ladies.

1. Be breast aware

If you aren't already, be more breast aware. The survival rate is far higher for women who find breast cancer in the early stages, as it's easier to treat. Know what's normal for your breasts, like the way they look and feel.

Breast Cancer Now says: 'If you get to know what's normal for you, it's much easier to notice if something isn't right and then it's important to talk to your doctor.'

2. Know what breast changes to look for

According to Breast Cancer Now: 'Checking your breasts only takes a few minutes. There’s no special technique and you don’t need training to check your breasts.'

Noticing breast cancer isn't just about finding a lump, there are lots of other signs and symptoms that can indicate it.

Breast Cancer Aware advises: 'Check the whole breast area, including your upper chest and armpits.'

Something as subtle as a change in skin tone on your breast can be an indication. Keep an eye out for any of the changes in the pictures above and below, then speak to your doctor if you're worried.

Look out for a change to the nipple, for example it has become pulled in (inverted), a rash or crusting around the nipple and any unusual liquid (discharge) from either nipple.

Breast Cancer Aware advises: 'Noticing an unusual change in your breasts doesn’t necessarily mean you have breast cancer. Most changes to your breasts are not because of cancer. But, it’s important to get checked by your GP.'

Want more info on how to check your breasts? Watch the video below for more detailed instructions

3. Another way to visualise the symptoms of breast cancer

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10154886141978894&set=a.118071123893.124938.577163893&type=3&theater

This photo from the Know Your Lemons campaign, created by the Worldwide Breast Cancer group, aims to help women visualise the unknown symptoms of breast cancer by comparing breasts to lemons.

From retracted nipples to dimpling, and an invisible lump which can feel similar to a lemon pip, there are so many telltale signs that you definitely need to be looking out for. The campaign is designed to be shared amongst family and friends to raise awareness. Who knows, it could potentially save lives, so get sharing!

4. Look and feel

Look and feel your breasts regularly. The more often you do, the more familiar you will get with what feels normal for you, and the quicker you will notice any breast changes.

Feeling your breasts doesn't have to be embarrassing or time-consuming. Make it a part of your everyday routine, check them in the bath or shower, when you use body lotion, or when you get dressed.

5. See your GP about breast changes

If you do notice anything unusual, see you GP straight away. Don't delay or put off going because you are scared of what they may find - most changes in your breasts won't turn out to be cancer - but if it is, then the quicker it is diagnosed, the better. You can always ask to see a female GP if you'd feel more comfortable.

According to Breast Cancer Aware, after examining your breasts, your GP may:

• feel that there’s no need for further investigation
• ask to see you again after a period
• refer you to a breast clinic

6. Go for a breast screening when invited

Breast screening can spot cancers when they are too small to be felt or noticed, and are currently offered to women aged 50 - 70. If you're invited to be screened, don't put it off. There's no need to be embarrassed, as all screening staff are women, and spotting something unusual early really could save your life.

On 18 October Breast Cancer Now is encouraging everyone to wear it pink and help make life-saving breast cancer research and life-changing support happen. Visit www.wearitpink.org to register and claim your free fundraising pack.

Anyone can take part in wear it pink. Some people will choose to hold a cake sale, while others will opt to organise a raffle and some will arrange a pink fancy dress day at their school or workplace. No matter how people choose to wear it pink, all the money raised will help to fund vital breast cancer research and support.

Bowel cancer is often though of as an illness that only affects older people, but more than 2,400 people under 50 are diagnosed each year in the UK.

And overall, it's thought to be the second biggest cancer killer, with 16,000 people dying from the disease each year.

Whatever your age, it's crucial to be aware of the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer, so that you know when to ask for help.

Bowel cancer symptoms can often be mistaken for other conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome or haemorrhoids, but that doesn't mean that they're not worth investigating. Here's what you need to know...

Bowel cancer symptoms

Gail Curry, Head of Health Promotion & Training at Bowel Cancer UK, says that the most common bowel cancer symptoms are:

• Bleeding from your bottom and/or blood in your poo
• A change in bowel habit lasting for three weeks or more
• Unexplained weight loss
• Extreme tiredness for no obvious reason
• Pain or lump in your tummy

However, there are several lesser known symptoms of bowel cancer that you should also be aware of.

"Sometimes, a tumour can block the bowel, causing sudden strong pains in the stomach area, bloating and feeling or being sick," Gail explains. "You may also be unable to empty your bowels or pass wind. If you think you have any of these symptoms, see your GP straight away or go to a hospital accident and emergency department."

"Not everyone with bowel cancer will have obvious symptoms; sometimes they can be subtle or vague in nature. If you are worried about any bowel symptoms or if things just don't feel right you should visit your GP."

Risk factors for bowel cancer

Although you can get bowel cancer at any age and under any circumstances you have a higher risk of developing bowel cancer if you:

• Are over 50
• Have a strong family history of bowel cancer
• Have a history of non-cancerous growths (polyps) in your bowel
• Have a long standing inflammatory bowel diseases (such as Crohn's disease)
• Have type 2 diabetes
• Have an unhealthy lifestyle

Conditions with symptoms like bowel cancer

Bowel symptoms are common, but most people with bowel symptoms won't have bowel cancer. Gail notes that there are a range of other health problems like Irritable Bowel Syndrome or haemorrhoids that can cause similar symptoms, meaning that signs of bowel cancer can sometimes be missed or mistaken.

Patients with IBS may experience abdominal pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, and a swollen stomach. Haemorrhoids, also called piles, are veins in the rectum and anus that become infected and swollen. Haemorrhoids may occur externally at the anal opening, or internally at the rectum. When left untreated, haemorrhoids can cause pain and discomfort, rectal bleeding, and itchiness.

If you have any symptoms, don't be embarrassed and don't ignore them - doctors are used to seeing lots of people with bowel problems. And it's even more important to bear in mind that bowel cancer is very treatable if diagnosed earlier.

The third week of January marks Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, which means it's an important time to understand how vital it is to attend smear tests, and to educate ourselves on the symptoms of the disease.

Cervical cancer affects around 3,000 women every year in the UK, and it can be hard to diagnose cervical cancer symptoms as many woman avoid going for their smear tests.

In fact, a recent survey, carried out by Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust, has suggested that in some areas in the UK, smear test attendance is as low as one in two among young women. While appointments dramatically increased following Jade Goody's cancer diagnosis in 2008, they've since gone back down.

The survey found that one of the reasons women choose to put off their smear tests is due to feelings of embarrassment. Gathering information from around 2,000 women aged 25-35, it found that as many as 915 had either delayed or never gone for screening.

When asked what caused them to delay or miss a test, 72 per cent said embarrassment, while 69 per cent said they felt uncomfortable with a stranger examining the genital area.

Dr Philippa Kaye, GP and ambassador of Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust, wants to reassure women that they needn't worry, or let their fears get in the way of going for a test, "We want women to feel comfortable talking to their nurse and asking questions. It’s not making a fuss and there are many ways to make the test easier. Please don’t let your fears stop you booking a test."

"We've seen and heard it all before and want to put your mind at ease if you have questions or concerns. Ask the things you want to know and remember you can say stop any time - it’s your test."

Cervical cancer symptoms: what are they?

Cervical cancer symptoms aren't always obvious to spot, and there may even be none until it reaches an advanced stage, which is why regular cervical screening appointments are crucial.

Cervical cancer symptoms to look out for

• Unusual bleeding (any other time than your expected monthly period, even after menopause
• Menstrual bleeding that is longer and heavier than usual
• Pain and discomfort during sex or pelvic examinations
• Increased vaginal discharge
• Unpleasant smelling vaginal discharge

Advanced cervical cancer symptoms

These symptoms usually start to occur when the condition has progressed and spread out of your cervix.

• Constipation
• Blood in your urine
• Severe vaginal bleeding
• Urinary incontinence
• Bone pain
• Swelling of one of your legs
• Severe pain in your side or back caused by swelling in your kidneys
• Changes in bladder and bowel habits
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Lack of energy

Understanding the causes of cervical cancer

Potential causes of cervical cancer

• Having unprotected sex with multiple partners
• Smoking tobacco
• Living with High-Risk HPV
• Already infected HPV partner
• Several pregnancies

Cervical cancer and HPV

• Your risk of contracting HPV is increased considerably by having unprotected sex (i.e. having sex without a physical barrier, like a condom)
• Research suggests that around 80-90 per cent of cervical cancer cases occur as a result of a HPV infection

What should I do if I'm worried?

If you're worried about cervical cancer, the first thing you should do is speak to your doctor and not ignore any symptoms.

Going for regular smear tests could help diagnose the condition early - in fact, the NHS says 347 lives could be saved each year in England if all eligible women went for regular screenings.

At the moment, all women registered with a GP are invited for cervical screening every three years if they're aged 25 to 49; every five years aged 50 to 64.

Pippa, from East Grinstead in West Sussex, was diagnosed with cancer when she was just five-years-old. Her mum Laura told GoodtoKnow how it felt to be told her child had leukaemia...

My daughter Pippa was diagnosed with cancer in May last year. It all started when she complained of pain in her groins and the pelvic area and it got to a point when she couldn't even walk or sit up without pain.

At first the doctors thought it was osteomyelitis, an infection in her bones, and they gave her antibiotics. Pippa finally started to improve until she could sit up and walk again, and she was finally discharged from St George’s hospital after six weeks.

A few days later, we got a phone call saying her blood test came back with abnormal cells. The doctor said she couldn’t confirm what it was until a haematologist looked at the cells, but from that moment on I knew it was cancer.

I started to worry about how far it had spread, because I remembered her not walking, not sitting up. All I could think is that it had spread to her bones. I had a whole night of all these questions and no answers until the next morning. It was the longest night of my entire life.

The next day we found out it was leukaemia - a month before Pippa’s sixth birthday.

Being told that Pippa had cancer came as a big shock to me, but somehow it was also a relief. We spent so much time in the hospital waiting for a conclusive diagnosis that getting an answer, however dreadful it was, it was almost closure for me.

I thought that now we can start treating whatever it is and we won’t be coming back with similar symptoms. It was more painful for me to be watching her in so much pain with no answers. At least with the cancer diagnosis, you know you have leukaemia but you got something to hold on to, something to be angry about.

The cancer they'd found, Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), can be found in different forms, and luckily the doctors told us Pippa had the best you could ask for, if you were to ask for cancer - which was quite an odd sentence to hear.

They told us that if the infections you can quite easily pick up when you're getting cancer treatment didn't kill her, then leukaemia wouldn't. She also wouldn’t need a transplant and she has a low risk of relapse. We went from devastating shock to 'okay, we have something to look forward to, we have an end in sight’.

The treatment for this type of cancer involves different types of chemo and lasts two years and 4 months - we still have 10 months left. We finish in July next year.

The most difficult thing as a mother was to look at my daughter going through cancer and feeling so helpless. I had controlled everything else until now, even her conception as she's an IVF baby.

But when she became ill, I couldn't control it any more. It was out of my hands. Watching her go through the treatment and not being able to help her at all, I felt hopeless.

When Pippa started losing her hair, we decided to cut it all off. When her two sisters, who are twins and were only around three-years-old at the time, saw me cutting her hair, they said: ‘Mummy, can we cut our hair too?’

I asked, ‘Why do you want to cut your hair?' and they said, 'If Pippa is having her hair coming out we want to be the same as Pippa and we want her hair short as well.'

That really threw me because I didn’t realise they had taken in everything I told them - that Pippa is really poorly and that she would be going to hospital a lot and that mummy would be with her most of the time. It was the sweetest moment. I know siblings have a connection but I've never seen a connection like that.

I've had to be strong through this and there have only been a couple of times that I've broken down, when I've been on my own. I've been cautious of keeping my children away from all this, and they think 'mummy is strong', 'mummy is helping everyone get through this'.

But now I realise they need to know that mummy also can be sad sometimes. When I'm having a sad moment, we will sit down together and talk about why mummy is sad. I'll be very honest and we'll talk about things like 'Pippa is having chemo this week and I'm quite anxious on how she's going to react this time'. So they understand rather than thinking mummy is superwoman, and doesn't really cry. I do it all the time, but they never see it.

The biggest surprise in all of this is how Pippa reacted, she's such an amazing girl. When she started chemo, she would ask immediately after the session: 'Can we make it to school before lunch'?

I'd tell her 'No, you need to go home and rest’ but she would say 'no, it's chicken curry for lunch and I can't miss curry'.

She kept up with school and any chance she gets she wants to be at school, because she has her friends who didn't want to lose (HER?). I asked her 'do you want mummy to teach you at home, you don't have to go to school', and she said 'no mummy, I love school and I want to be part of everything'.

Even when she lost her hair, I thought she wouldn't want to go back but she went with a scarf and she wasn't really fazed by it. A couple of times she told me 'I look different to the other kids' but other than that she's been really comfortable.

https://youtu.be/st2o4GE48IY

Pippa and Laura are supporting Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens, in partnership with TK Maxx, during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month this September. Find out about children’s cancers how to support our research to help find new, better and kinder treatments for children and young people with cancer at cruk.org/kidsandteens

After going through all this, Pippa wants to become a cancer doctor when she grows up. When they were explaining the diagnosis to her, the doctors described all the cells and she asked at the end: ‘If you're talking about the plasma being yellow, the red blood cells being red, what colour are the leukaemia cells?'

The doctor replied saying no one had ever asked that question before, and I think that's when her interest came in.

After that moment, she said to me 'Mummy I want to be a doctor he didn't explain everything to me, I had to ask. I want to explain to people before they ask.'

When we did the awareness video for Cancer Research, she had had chemo only three days before. She could have been at home relaxing and sleeping, but she said: 'Mummy no, we have to go. I know I feel rubbish but I want to help people so let's go and film this so people can know what cancer really is.'

As told to Mariana Cerqueira.

We're all aware of how important it is to protect our skin when the sun is strong - but would you know what to do if you spotted a change to your skin that is unusual, or sticks around?

Here, we look at skin cancer symptoms that everyone should be aware of, so you can keep an eye on your skin, and learn how to stay safe in the sun. There are two different types of skin cancer.

Non-melanoma skin cancer refers to a group of cancers that slowly develop in the upper layers of the skin. This is a more common kind of skin cancer and includes Basal Cell Carcinoma (or BCC) and Squamous cell carcinoma (or SCC).

A Melanoma can spread to other organs in the body, and can develop from abnormal moles. The most common sign of melanoma is the appearance of a new mole or a change in an existing mole, but not all melanomas develop from moles so it's important to tell your doctor about any unusual or lasting changes to your skin.

About 131,772 people are diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer every year in the UK. About 15, 419 people are diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer in the UK each year. The risk increases with age, it's important to go to the doctor if you notice a change to your skin or a mole that's unusual, or that lasts for a while. Knowing what's normal for you will help you to spot changes.

What does skin cancer look like?

Here's our A-D guide to melanomas with a picture of what to look out for. They may not make for pretty viewing, but it's really important you know what you're looking for...

A: Asymmetry

The shape of a melanoma is often uneven and asymmetrical, unlike a mole that is usually round and even.

B: Border

The border or edges of a melanoma are often ragged, notched or blurred.

C: Colour

The colour (pigmentation) of a melanoma is often not uniform. So there may be 2-3 shades of brown or black. A mole usually has one uniform colour.

D: Diameter

The size of a melanoma is usually larger than a normal mole, and it continues to grow.

And remember that skin cancer doesn't always look like a mole. Tell your doctor about any unusual or lasting changes to a freckle, mole or normal patch of skin. Some of the possible symptoms include:

• A spot or sore that doesn't heal
• A spot or sore that itches, hurts, is scabbed or crusty, or bleeds
• Areas where the skin has broken down and doesn't heal
• A lump, that might be small, slow growing, shiny and pink or red

Moles can be pretty odd-looking things, and it isn't always easy to spot skin cancers - so it's safer to go to the doctor about any skin changes that are unusual for you or persist, It probably won't be melanoma skin cancer, but if it is,spotting it early means that treatment is more likely to be successful.

For more information about skin cancer go to the Cancer Research UK website.

What are moles?

A mole is a collection of 'pigment' cells under the skin. Pigment cells are what give our skin its colour, which is why a collection of them will appear darker. Most moles develop after birth and throughout our childhood and 20s. They can appear for no reason or after being out in the sun.

Survival for people with melanoma skin cancer is relatively high, with almost 90% of adults surviving the disease for at least ten years after diagnosis in the UK. Like other cancer types, spotting melanoma skin cancer early is important, as treatment is more likely to be successful at an earlier stage.

How do I keep my skin safe?

Getting sunburn just once every two years can triple the risk of melanoma skin cancer.

Spend time in the shade when the sun is strong (between 11am and 3pm in the UK) and cover up with clothing (like long sleeved t-shirts, wide brimmed hats and sunglasses) to help to protect your skin.

As a last line of defence, use plenty of sunscreen (at least SPF 15 and 4 stars) on the parts of your skin that aren't covered, and reapply it often.

According to research, only 3% of UK women feel confident about spotting ovarian cancer symptoms.

Ovarian cancer affects almost 7,000 women a year - making it relatively low in comparison with other cancers. However, survival rates are also fairly low - around 4,400 women die from it each year - and the five-year survival rate for ovarian cancer is just 46%.

Ovarian cancer is sometimes nicknamed the 'silent killer' - but symptoms do exist, it's just that they're not very well known.

There are four main ovarian cancer symptoms that you need to be aware of:

Ovarian cancer symptoms

1. Persistent stomach pain 2. Persistent bloating 3. Difficulty eating/feeling full more quickly 4. Needing to urinate more frequently

You may also notice an increase in back pain, changes in bowel habits (particularly becoming either more or less frequent), and extreme tiredness for no obvious reason.

If you experience any of these symptoms regularly, you should see your GP. It can run in families, so let your doctor know if there are two or more cases of ovarian or breast cancer in your close family.

What should I do if I'm worried?

As with anything, if you're worried the first thing you should do is speak to your doctor. The key is to not ignore your symptoms and be persistent if you think something is wrong.

There's no routine screening for ovarian cancer so your doctor might give you an internal exam, refer you to a gynaecologist or refer you for a scan if they think you need it.

Remember, ovarian cancer is rare - so don't panic if you're experiencing some of these symptoms. It's likely that something else is causing them, but it's important to get ovarian cancer ruled out.

Other conditions that cause similar symptoms to ovarian cancer include irritable bowel syndrome, ovarian cysts and polycystic ovary syndrome.

I have ovarian cancer - what now?

Your medical team will advise on the best course of treatment for your needs, depending on factors such as where your cancer is, how far it has spread, what type of cancer it is, and your general level of health and fitness.

The main treatments for ovarian cancer are chemotherapy and surgery, but not everybody will have both, and other women with ovarian cancer may be undergoing different treatments to you, depending on the stage and area of their tumour.

Don't be afraid to ask your healthcare professionals as many questions as you like about your treatment and subsequent recovery. There are also many charities, including Cancer Research UK, Target Ovarian Cancer and Ovarian Cancer Action, that you can turn to for further support and advice.

Real life: 'I've been given the all clear after ovarian cancer'

Here Paula Larratt, a social worker from Kettering, Northamptonshire, recalls her experience with ovarian cancer...

'I hadn't got a clue there was anything wrong with me when I was diagnosed in 2002. I was on holiday in Tunisia with my best friend Jackie when I got serious stomach ache. I was rushed to hospital where doctors told me my appendix had ruptured causing peritonitis. They had no choice but to operate.'

'When I woke up, doctors had removed my appendix - and my right ovary. I'd had a tumour on it, the result of ovarian cancer. I was so shocked, especially as I'd had no idea there was anything wrong with me. I'd said to Jackie just a few days earlier that I felt full even though I hadn't eaten anything. I know now that is one of the signs but at the time, it hardly seemed worth mentioning.'

'Back in the UK, doctors also found a 10cm tumour on my left ovary. They told me I had Stage 3 cancer, with Stage 4 being the worst kind. I had another operation to remove that tumour and had a full hysterectomy at the same time. I was 38 and didn't have children but I understood it had to happen to save my life.'

'The op was successful but I was warned that even with chemo, I might not make it, especially when a biopsy showed the cancer had spread to my liver and bowel. I had 9 cycles of chemo in all, lost my hair and felt dreadful. Even after that, I was told the cancer often comes back within 2 years.'

'But I kept positive and made it past then. I even kept working as a social worker. It's been a tough few years but in July 2007, I reached the five-year mark and was finally discharged from hospital with the all-clear. Even now I can hardly believe it and I'd like to give hope to other women diagnosed with ovarian cancer.'

'Things to look out for are feeling full when you haven't eaten or a swollen stomach. Basically, know what's normal for you and don't be scared to ask a doctor if you're worried about something. It could save your life.'

Childhood cancer is a devastating subject and the worst nightmare for every parent.

Although it's tough to think about, cancer developing in children is actually significantly less common than the development in adulthood, and is really quite rare.

To put this in perspective, around 1,800 children are diagnosed with cancer every year in the UK compared to more than 352,000 adults – that number for children also includes those with benign brain tumours.

Out of these children, more than 80% will go on to live for at least another five years. As research into childhood cancers has progressed, so has the survival rate. Cancer Research UK states that in the 1970s, more than a third of children diagnosed with cancer survived their disease beyond 10 years, now it's around three-quarters.

Most common childhood cancers

• Leukemia
• 
  
• Cancer of the brain and central nervous system
• 
  
• Neuroblastoma
• 
  
• Wilms tumor
• 
  
• Lymphoma
• 
  
• Rhabdomyosarcoma
• 
  
• Retinoblastoma
• 
  
• Bone cancer
• 
  Common childhood cancer symptoms Although common childhood cancers differ vastly there are some general symptoms that you can look out for. If your child is displaying any of these you should take them to your GP.
  Symptoms to be aware of are:
  

• Not able to wee, or blood in wee
• 
  
• An unexplained lump or firmness anywhere in the body
• 
  
• Swollen glands
• 
  
• Back pain that doesn't go away
• 
  
• Persistent headaches
• 
  
• Frequent bruising Feeling tired all the time
• 
  
• Unexplained fits (seizures) or changes in vision or behaviour
• 
  
• Abdominal pain or swelling all the time
• 
  
• Unexplained vomiting
• 
  
• Unexplained sweating or fever
• 
  
• Unexplained weight loss or poor appetite
• 
  
• Changes in appearance of the eye or unusual eye reflections in photos
• 
  
• Frequent infections or flu-like symptoms
• 
  If you notice any of these symptoms persistently in your child, take them to your GP for diagnosis. It is normal for your GP to take note of these symptoms but ask you to wait to see if they subside before referring your child further, so don't be alarmed if you cannot get a diagnosis straight away. Certain symptoms will be treated immediately but this is down to your GPs judgement. If you have taken your child to the doctors 3 or more times for persistent symptoms that could be linked to cancer, they should refer you to a specialist.
  

  Causes of childhood cancer

  It's important to remember that cancer happens when random changes to DNA in our cells cause them to multiply uncontrollably and form tumours. No one really knows why children can develop cancer, as many of the usual causes don't apply to them.
  Research shows that certain lifestyle changes can help avoid cancer but it is difficult to say what could be contributing to childhood cancers specifically. There are some conditions and lifestyle factors that have been identified to heighten the chances of cancer.
  

  Inherited medical conditions

  Children who already suffer from a medical condition are more vulnerable to getting cancer. For example children with Downs Syndrome are 10 to 20 times more like to getting leukaemia.
  

  Problems with development in the womb

  Organs such as the kidneys and eyes are the first to develop in a baby whilst growing in the womb, sometimes these cells fail to mature and are especially vulnerable to causing problems later on in life, resulting in Wilms disease (kidney cancer in children) or Retinoblastomas (eye cancer in children).
  

  Exposure to radiation

  Strong radiation exposure has shown a link to developing cancerous cells, but it is very rare that any children in the UK would be exposed to a level of radiation that would do this.
  Some cancers are more common in children than others, most common being leukaemia and cancers of the brain and spinal cord. Following that cancer of the eye, nerve cells and kidney cancers are most common.
  If you spot any signs or irregular behaviour in your child, it's always best to take them to the GP, just to be on the safe side.

A woman's Facebook post has gone viral after highlighting a lesser-known symptom of breast cancer.

Mother-of-two Claire Warner, 41, shared the image of her left breast to her Facebook account, highlighting the dimple in her skin that had alerted her to her illness.

'Ok, here goes - the Facebook status and photo I never dreamt I'd be posting - PLEASE READ and more importantly LOOK!'

This is a picture of my left boob. The small purplish bruise is where I had a biopsy taken. The minuscule dimple up and to the left of it is a rare and little-known symptom of BREAST CANCER,' she wrote.

Claire added that she'd only noticed the change in her skin after seeing a story about another woman, Lisa Royle, who shared a similar symptom of her own cancer online.

'Blink and you'd miss it. I only spotted it thanks to another post shared by an amazing friend,' she said.

'I hope I'm one of the lucky ones. I've caught it exceptionally early (only thanks to someone else sharing a similar post). And while it's a nasty bugger, it is one small contained lump and after surgery, chemo and radio therapy, I've every hope of being cured.'

'I can't feel the lump, even now that I know it's there. I'm not ill. My only symptom is this dimple.'

'PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE check yourself (males as well as females) and get your loved ones to check themselves also. If I can help one other person, the way I was helped, then it's been worth showing my soon-to-be-reduced left tit to the world xxx'

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10153723107878133&set=a.10150889557378133.403040.594053132&type=3&theater

Since it was uploaded on 5th July, Claire's post has been shared more than 25,000 times, prompting her to set up a Twitter account, @OfNoSpecialType, where she will update followers on her progress.

'Never though my own left boob would go viral,' she tweeted, sharing a link to the original post. 'Please read and share.'

More: How to check your breasts

In the bio for the Twitter account, Claire explains that she has invasive ductal carcinoma, the most common kind of breast cancer, accounting for around 75% of all cases. Common symptoms include a lump in the breast or under the arm, changes to or discharge from the nipple, pain the area or a change in the size and shape of the breast, but can also attribute to the dimpling that Claire's picture shows.

She has since been inundated with supportive comments, wishing her well throughout her treatment, which will include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

'I'm sorry you have to go through this. You're amazingly brave and gutsy to share your picture! Massive well done! Be strong and fight well. Lots of love,' one wellwisher wrote, while another added, 'Massive respect to you for sharing. Sending you love and strength.'

Would you know how to spot the early signs of eye cancer in your child? Find out all you need to know about retinoblastoma - the disease that affects young children under six.

The rare disease, which affects around 50 to 60 children in the UK each year, can have dangerous consequences if not spotted early, but what is retinoblastoma?

The condition is a fast-growing eye cancer that develops in the cells of the retina. It usually affects young children under six years old and has one of the best cure rates of all the childhood cancers, with around 98% of children diagnosed with it surviving.

Still, it's important for parents and carers to be aware of what symptoms to look out for, and what causes the rare condition.

What are the symptoms of retinoblastoma?

In order to successfully treat eye cancer, it's crucial to spot it as early as possible. If you spot any of the following signs, share your concerns with your GP:

• An unusual white glow in the child's eye, which can become apparent in photos
• 
  
• If your child start squinting
• 
  
• A change in the child's eye colour in just one eye, or one part of the eye
• 
  
• A red or inflamed eye
• 
  
• Poor vision

These symptoms may have different causes and not be signs of retinoblastoma, but it's important you have them checked out by a health professional.

Retinoblastoma usually affects children under the age of six

What are the causes?

Forty percent of retinoblastoma cases are caused by a faulty gene, which can have been inherited from a parent, or be the result of a mutation in the early stages of the baby's development in the womb. Both eyes are affected in these cases.

If you or your partner have cases of retinoblastoma in the family, you should have your child screened so the condition can be spotted early.

It is not known what causes the remaining 60 percent of cases, in which only one eye is affected.

For more information, you can visit NHS's information page or the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust website.

What is the treatment?

Treatment for retinoblastoma will vary depending on the stage of the tumour.

If the tumour is spotted early, it's usually still intraocular - completely within the eye - which is the case for nine out of 10 cases in the UK.

In case the cancer spreads beyond the eye to other parts of the body, this means it's extraocular. However, this is rarely seen in the UK, as the condition is usually spotted before it reaches this stage.

Treatments to smaller tumours vary from laser treatment to the eye to cryotherapy to freeze the tumour. For larger tumours, chemotherapy may be used to shrink it or the eye may need to be removed.

The word 'cancer' is hard to hear whatever your age, but sometimes talking about it with the people you love can be even harder. That's why this week is Cancer Talk Week (21st-27th January), to encourage everyone to get chatting about cancer and ask questions without feeling worried.

Talking about cancer with your children may seem scary, but that's where Macmillan Cancer Support come in. They can help you find the right words to make that conversation a little bit easier.

Macmillan Cancer Support's Cancer Information Nurse, Bill Carlin, has been a cancer nurse for nearly 30 years, so he knows just how to talk to children about cancer. Here are Bill's top tips:

How to talk to your children about cancer if they have questions... 

• Try to be as honest as possible with them. You may not want to scare them, but they may well only feel hurt if they find out that you haven't told them the truth. Children can be remarkably aware of changes going on around them.
• 
  
• Answer the questions that you can but don't worry if you don't know the answers to all of them. Tell them that you can find out together, it will help them better understand and feel more involved.
• 
  
• You may get asked about what causes cancer, or what can prevent it. Explain to them that there are many things that reduce the risk of cancer, such as daily exercise and a healthy lifestyle, and there are some things that increase the risk, such as smoking. But tell them that in many cases it's just not possible to say why some people develop cancer and others don't.
• 
  
• Explain that you cannot catch cancer from anyone else. They should also know that people don't always die if they get cancer. In fact, more and more people are surviving cancer.
• 
  
• Let them know that cancer mostly affects people over the age of 65. Cancer in children is very rare, and most children who are diagnosed with cancer survive.

How to talk to your children about cancer if you've had cancer...

• Begin with a simple explanation. Take your time, and make sure you go through what you want to tell them step by step.
• 
  
• Your first reaction might be to protect their feelings by keeping the truth from them, but keeping secrets could lead to resentment and hurt on their part.
• 
  
• Cancer can be scary and hard to understand for children. The best thing to do if they get upset is to ask them to talk through how they are feeling, and tell them that you understand.
• 
  
• They may be scared. Ask them what worries them, and try to talk through it with them.
• 
  
• Young children should understand that nothing they have done has caused the cancer.
• 
  
• They may prefer to talk to someone else about it. Don't be offended if they do. Tell them that they can talk to another family member, teacher, doctor or Macmillan Cancer Support specialist if they would like to.
• 
  
• If your children start to 'act up' (e.g. their behaviour changes), try to understand that this may be a reaction to the news and a way of letting you know that they're upset. Try to talk them through it.

Cancer sufferer, Wendy, 46, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004 when her children were 7, 5 and 10 months old. She was given the all-clear in 2009, but unfortunately the cancer returned in 2009. Her children were then 15, 13 and 8. Sadly, she was told the cancer was incurable. Wendy has experience of talking to both younger and older children about cancer. Here are Wendy's top tips:

How to talk to younger children about cancer...

• Keep it simple. When I was first diagnosed, my children were very young. I explained to the 7 and 5-year-old in a simple way, saying that I was unwell. I did use the word 'cancer' to start with, but they didn't understand so 'unwell' was better.
• 
  
• Include them. I took the kids to the hospital with me so they knew where I was when I was having treatment and wouldn't worry. It made it easier for my husband to explain to them why I wasn't always at home.
• 
  
• Don't give too much info. There's a balance between keeping things from the kids and telling them too much. I prepared them for the significant things that they would notice, for example we talked about how I was likely to lose my hair and then involved them in choosing colourful bandanas. I also told them I would get better because at the stage I truly believed I would.
• 
  
• Think about when you have your treatment. I chose to have my chemotherapy on a Monday while they were at school. That meant that by the weekend I was feeling a bit brighter and could play with them.
• 
  
• Keep the routine. Clubs, swimming and play dates with friends have to carry on. If kids know things are still normal, then they'll keep the hope that everything else will be OK too.
• 
  
• Don't have difficult conversations in front of them. Keep the kids included, but don't worry them by talking with relatives or friends about what's happening or your condition while they can hear. They don't need to know everything, unless it's terminal. Macmillan Cancer Support can help you have that conversation.

How to talk to older children about cancer...

• Be aware that other children may say things to you or your child about your illness, especially if it comes up in the news. This happened with my kids' friends on several occasions.
• 
  
• Prepare yourself for out of the blue questions, usually around the dinner table or in the car. Try to think about how you might respond or what they might ask.
• 
  
• Tell them a bit more about your illness, especially if - like me - you have a secondary diagnosis. The kids might feel isolated otherwise. There's no need to tell them everything but, again, find the right balance between keeping things from them or saying too much so they trust you. Also, remember that they use the Internet a lot to find out about things.
• 
  
• Keep them up to date with what's happening so they don't worry.
• 
  
• Be prepared to say things more than once. Children often don't take everything in in one go, so you might have to repeat yourself a few times. I definitely have.

Cancer can be the toughest fight many people face, but you don't have to face it alone. The Macmillan Cancer Support team can help you find the words you need. Call their support line free on 0808 808 00 00 or visit www.macmillan.org.uk/cancertalkweek

Where to next?

- How to treat fever or pain in kids - Test your breast cancer knowledge - 10 symptoms you should never ignore

We all have those little niggles that we put up with, or an ache that we put down to getting older. However, there are some pains or other symptoms that you really should make an appointment and get checked out.

1. Pains in your legs that don't go away

What it could be: Cramp after exercise or while asleep is pretty common. But recurring or severe leg pains and cramps can be due to a blood clot or heart and circulation problems.

What it probably is: It could also be a relatively harmless, but uncomfortable condition called restless leg syndrome. It's always safest to get the right diagnosis.

2. Have you noticed any lumps or bumps you didn't have before?

What it could be: Finding a lump under your skin can be frightening and it's often tempting to ignore it in the hope it goes away, but even pain-free lumps can be cancerous.

What it probably is: Nine out of 10 are harmless cysts, boils, warts or a fatty growth called a lipoma, but it's just better to be safe than sorry.

3. If you're losing weight and never feel hungry

What it could be: If you suddenly find your weight dropping for no reason, it could be a sign of health issues including thyroid problems or a digestive complaint. If you've lost 10% of your body weight in six months, go to the doctors for further investigation.

What it probably is: The chances are you've been watching what you eat and have started doing more exercise. Don't complain!

4. When you have unexpected bleeding

What it could be: Bleeding should always be checked out, whether it's blood in your stools - which often makes them appear black or tar-like - or blood coughed up with phlegm. It's often an early sign of cancer. Heavy nosebleeds that last more than 20 minutes are another sign you shouldn't ignore as is bleeding in between periods of from your vagina after sex - this could be something like pelvic inflammatory disease.

What it probably is: Unless you remember cutting yourself on something, bleeding of any sort that you can't explain should be examined.

5. If you're permanently tired and run down

What it could be: If you feel desperately tired for more than a week, it could be an indicator that you have emotional problems you're not coping with or are depressed. Or you could have a physical problem: anything from a sleep disorder like sleep apnoea, to diabetes, ME, or even cancer. Your GP may recommend a blood test to check for other causes.

What it probably is: One in five of us complain of regular tiredness - the important thing to watch out for is if there's no obvious cause.

6. Sore, itching skin

What it could be: It could be an infection like scabies, which won't go away without treatment. Itchy skin is also a symptom of liver disorders. If you're pregnant and suffer unexplained itches, see a doctor immediately, as it could be a liver condition called cholestasis which can be dangerous to your child. What it probably is: It's more likely to be an allergy or eczema.

7. Severe unexplained headache

What it could be: Pain is your body's way of telling you something's wrong, so if it's constant or recurring, see your doctor, especially if it feels different to a normal headache. Combined with other symptoms, it could be a sign of a stroke, blood vessel inflammation, meningitis or even a brain tumour.

What it probably is: We all get unexplained headaches and it could be a result of stress, or even dehydration.

8. A heavier than normal vaginal discharge

What it could be: if you notice a change that's unusual for your body it could be caused by a sexually transmitted infection, which can cause heavy discharge with an unpleasant smell. It might be embarrassing, but the sooner you get treatment the easier these conditions are to cure.

What it probably is: Discharge naturally varies in amount and consistency, so the chances are that it's nothing at all.

9. Pins and needles in the feet

What it could be: Pins and needles are often the first signs of nerve damage and a condition called peripheral neuropathy. This itself is often a sign of diabetes and recent figures suggest that almost 750,000 people in the UK don't realise they have the condition.

What it probably is: Usually, they just mean poor circulation, but as with all symptoms, if they don't go away, it's worth a trip to the doctor.

10. Short of breath

What it could be: Most of us feel a little breathless after climbing a flight of stairs, but if you're gasping for air when laying or sitting down, it's a possible sign of heart failure. Other causes are asthma, anxiety or a blood clot in the lungs.

What it probably is: It's more than likely that you're very unfit - could be time to check out that local leisure centre.

Still not sure?

If you're ever in doubt whether a symptom experienced by you or your family is serious it's always better to speak to your GP to be sure. You can also get advice and information by looking up your symptoms on the NHS Direct website www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk or calling their 24-hour helpline on 0845 4647.