Early cancer detection can save your life

World Cancer Awareness Day (4 February) reminded us of the perils of neglecting our health and the importance of healthy living. According to the World Health Organization more than eight million people died worldwide from cancer in 2012. Another alarming statistic showed that 60% of the new annual cases occurred in Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. And, that approximately a third of cancer deaths were as a result of the big five of behavioural and dietary risks: being overweight, not eating enough fruit and vegetables, not doing enough exercise and use of tobacco and alcohol.

"What is even more disturbing is that 30% of all cancers can be prevented," said Peter Jordan, Principal Officer of Fedhealth. "Early diagnoses and treatment is vital to fight this disease and regular check-ups and preventative screening tests really can save lives." Jordan believes that understanding some of the medical terminology can help to reduce a lot of anxiety around check-ups and testing. His medical team explained it this way: A malignant tumour means you have cancer. Malignant tumours can grow back if they are removed, they can invade nearby tissue and organs, they can spread to other parts of the body (metastasise). A benign tumour is an indication that there is no cancer present.

Cancer types fall into five broad categories:

. Carcinoma - begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs.

. Sarcoma - starts in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels or other connective or supportive tissue.

. Leukaemia - starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood.

. Lymphoma and myeloma - cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system.

. Central nervous system cancers - cancers that begin in the lymph tissue of the brain and/or spinal cord

Cancer is scary but it can be beaten and having a good medical scheme can really help to ease the load. One of the great benefits of the Fedhealth scheme is that it allows you to buy up onto a higher option when you are diagnosed with a dread disease, provided the upgrade is done within 30 days of diagnosis. "In this way members can ensure that they always have access to the appropriate treatment for their individual needs," said Jordan. "We really want our members to take care of themselves. Go for regular check-ups and preventative screening tests. It's simple, the scheme covers costs, and it could save your life."

Some tips from Fedhealth to cope with your emotions after a cancer

diagnosis:

. Adopting a 'positive-at-all-costs' approach can be a huge burden. It's your experience and there is no need to feel you have to please others in the way you cope.

. Guilt is a barrier to living life fully. Get rid of it.

. Your feelings of anger or sadness about your cancer and the changes it brings are normal and could help you cope.

. Distinguish between normal sadness and depression - take note of your emotional state and decide after two weeks whether you feel better emotionally. Lingering feelings of overwhelming sadness, helplessness, hopelessness and a sense of worthlessness are not typical. If you experience these, talk to your doctor.