Q Golf - Official online magazine for Golf Queensland Autumn 2014 | Page 11

Cancer Council Queensland Quest Golf Queensland and the Cancer Council of Queensland are working together to encourage golfers to stay healthy. Understand your body & get checked: tips and hints Men’s cancer awareness • Finding cancer early improves your chances of successful treatment and long-term survival. These symptoms are often related to more common, less serious health problems. However, if you notice any unusual changes, or these symptoms persist, visit your doctor. Look for: o lumps, sores or ulcers that don’t heal o unusual changes in your testicles – changes in shape, consistency or lumpiness o coughs that don’t go away or show blood, a hoarseness that hangs around o weight loss that can’t be explained o moles that have changed shape, size or colour, or bleed, or an inflamed skin sore that hasn’t healed o blood in a bowel motion o persistent changes in toilet habits o urinary problems or changes • One third of cancers can be prevented through healthy choices. By having a healthy lifestyle and participating in recommended screening programs, men can significantly reduce their risk of developing cancer and increase their chances of discovering cancer early. Find out what you can do www.quest.org.au • The cause of prostate cancer is not known and there is no single, simple test to detect prostate cancer. If you are concerned about your risk of developing prostate cancer you should talk to a GP. Make your own decision about whether to be tested after discussion with a doctor. Ensure you get good quality information to make an informed decision. • Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in females in Queensland with one in eight women being diagnosed before the age of 85. Reduce your risk and be breast aware - be familiar with the usual look and feel of your breasts and report any changes to a GP. Have a breast screen every two years from age 50-70 years. • Prostate cancer is more common in older men and those with a family history of the disease. If prostate cancer is detected early, there are more treatment options available. If it is not treated early, it can spread beyond the prostate gland and is more difficult to treat. • Ladies, have you had a Pap smear recently? Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable women’s cancers. Reduce your risk - a regular Pap smear every two years is essential for all women aged 18 to 70 years who have ever been sexually active, even if you have had the HPV vaccination. See a GP today to book yours. Women’s cancer awareness More than 5000 Australian female cancer deaths occur each year as a result of preventable risk factors. By having a healthy lifestyle and participating in recommended screening programs, women can significantly reduce their risk of developing cancer and increase their chances of discovering it early. Find out what you can do www.quest.org.au • 982 Queensland women will be diagnosed with a gynaecological cancer, and more than 2,887 Queensland women will be diagnosed with breast cancer each year. These figures are extremely high - but the good news is, all Queenslanders can do something now to help reduce their cancer risk. Find out what you can do www.quest.org.au • Cervical cancer is a very preventable women’s cancer. Women aged 18-70 years should have regular pap smears to detect any changes that could indicate early signs of cervical cancer. Make an appointment today with your GP. • October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Make a commitment to yourself this October to be breast aware, book a BreastScreen (if eligible) or discuss your risk of breast cancer with a GP and encourage female friends and family to do the same. For more information and support please contact the Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20 or visit cancerqld.org.au. Golf EՕ