One in two of us will have a cancer diagnosis in our lifetime and cancer is the leading cause of death in Ireland, but there is a lot we can do to help prevent this outcome.

While prevention is clearly important, everyone is at risk of developing cancer. Detecting cancer early gives the best opportunity for a good outcome if we are diagnosed. So what can we do to help ensure the best outcome?

Looking out for signs and symptoms 

It is important to be aware of your body and if you notice any unusual change in how your body works, talk to your doctor. The chances are it will not be cancer but getting it checked is not a waste of anyone’s time, and it could even save your life.

Some of the signs you should check with a doctor:

• A lump or swelling
• Bleeding that is not normal for you
• Unexplained weight loss or prolonged tiredness or fatigue
• Pain that does not go away after three or more weeks
• A persistent cough, changes in your voice, hoarseness that lasts longer than three weeks or feeling short of breath (most especially if you smoke)
• A sore or bruise that does not heal
• Difficulty swallowing, ongoing indigestion or heartburn
• A mouth or tongue ulcer present for three weeks or more
• A change in your bowel or bladder habits, persistent bloating, constipation, diarrhoea or problems passing urine for more than three weeks
• A new mole or change in shape, size or colour to an existing mole
• Any change in your breast- many breast cancers, especially in younger women do not present as a ‘lump’

Together the person and their cancer team can weigh the benefits and risks of each cancer treatment to determine which is best for them.

Getting treatment and support

Cancer treatment is a complex process that differs from person to person and we are fortunate that our cancer doctors and healthcare professionals have world-class training. On diagnosis, the person will meet with their oncology team (cancer team) and an individualised treatment plan will be devised.

Treatment options depend on several factors, such as the type and stage of cancer, person’s general health and preferences. Together the person and their cancer team can weigh the benefits and risks of each cancer treatment to determine which is best for them.  

Receiving a cancer diagnosis is a very worrying time. It is normal to feel overwhelmed and confused. Talking with your doctor/cancer team and learning all you can about your diagnosis and your treatment options can help. The Irish Cancer Society provides a range of supports for anyone impacted by cancer, be they patient or family members.

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One in three families in Ireland are affected by diabetes. There are about 266,664 people living with type 2 and about 25,000 living with type 1 diabetes in Ireland. It’s important to know the differences between them, causes and treatments. 

Diabetes is a condition where there is too much glucose in the blood because of a lack of insulin or insulin is not working properly. Diabetes prevalence is on the increase, especially for type 2 diabetes as this is largely linked to unhealthy lifestyle behaviours frequently associated with being overweight and/or inactivity. 

Type 1 diabetes on the other hand is not linked to lifestyle and is classed as an autoimmune condition. It cannot be prevented and has to be treated with insulin (everyday injections or insulin pump). 

Diabetes risk factors 

Information on the prevalence of diabetes in Ireland is based on estimates from different regional and national studies. Nevertheless, the risk of raised blood glucose is 5.5% in those aged over 50 and this increases to 13.4% in those aged over 80 years. 

Knowing the symptoms and risk factors for type 2 diabetes is important as non-diagnosis can seriously affect your quality of life. Undiagnosed or poorly managed diabetes can damage your heart, eyes, nerves and kidneys leading to serious health problems. However, if managed well, you can live a long and healthy life. Early recognition, good understanding and making positive lifestyle changes can help to prevent any potential complications.

If you have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, treatment involves managing glucose levels to keep these as close to normal levels as possible.

When to see a doctor? If you see any of these symptoms: 

• Blurred vision
• Tiredness
• Thirst
• Frequent trips to the bathroom (urination) especially at night 
• Weight loss or gain 
• Frequent infections 
• Numbness, pain or tingling in feet 

You are more at risk of getting type 2 diabetes if you: 

• Are over 45 years of age 
• Have a family history of diabetes 
• Had diabetes during a pregnancy (gestational diabetes) 
• Are overweight
• Are inactive
• Have high blood pressure/cholesterol

The more risk factors or symptoms that you have the more likely you are to develop diabetes or pre-diabetes. 

Managing your diabetes 

If you have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, treatment involves managing glucose levels to keep these as close to normal levels as possible so between 4-8mmols/L. It can be effectively managed through education, support and adoption of healthy lifestyles (diet, exercise), combined with medication as required. Evidence exists that type 2 diabetes can be prevented, and that remission of type 2 diabetes may be possible for some people.

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Cathy Farrell

President, Irish Association of Heart Failure Nurses

The majority of adults in Ireland do not fully understand heart failure, mistakenly thinking the symptoms are similar to those of a heart attack and that heart failure means your heart stops.

Heart failure (HF) is when the pump action of the heart is not working efficiently and as a result your body starts to retain fluid. People who have heart failure may experience a loss of normal physical functioning owing to symptoms such as severe breathlessness and fatigue.

Additionally, the typical signs for heart failure include swelling of the legs, increase in weight despite no change in diet, or waking up from your sleep feeling breathless. If you have symptoms of heart failure it is vital you go to your doctor to be checked out.

There are many causes of heart failure, but many common ones are previous angina, heart attacks or high blood pressure so those with these conditions may be at highest risk of HF. Although it can occur in those without any heart history.

Diagnosing heart failure

To test if you may have heart failure your GP may need you to have a blood test. If it comes back positive, it means you need more investigations to determine if you have the condition. One of these is an echocardiogram or ultrasound of the heart. The test will examine the pumping function of the heart and help the doctor to give you a diagnosis.

Heart failure services throughout Ireland continue to strive to improve patients’ experiences of care and quality of life.

Heart failure services throughout Ireland continue to strive to improve patients’ experiences of care and quality of life by raising awareness about the importance of recognising heart failure, getting an accurate diagnosis and receiving optimal treatment. If you have heart failure your GP may be able to refer you to a community diagnostic clinic if there is one in your area.

Preventing heart failure

You can also help prevent getting heart failure by keeping your diabetes well controlled, ensure your blood pressure is in the normal range, eating healthy which includes avoiding excess salt, sugar, fat, avoid being overweight, stop smoking, limit alcohol and engage in daily exercise.

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