Cancer happens when cells in the body grow and reproduce in an uncontrolled way. These abnormal cells can damage nearby healthy tissue and, in some cases, spread to other parts of the body. This is known as metastasis.
Around one in two people will develop some form of cancer during their lifetime. Early diagnosis gives the best chance of successful treatment.
Across Essex, health and care partners are working together to improve cancer outcomes and reduce health inequalities. This includes:
- Promoting awareness of cancer signs and symptoms
- Increasing screening uptake
- Supporting earlier diagnosis
- Improving access to treatment and support
Common types of cancer
There are more than 200 types of cancer, each diagnosed and treated differently.
The most common cancers nationally include:
- breast cancer (opens in a new window)
- lung cancer (opens in a new window)
- cervical cancer (opens in a new window)
- bowel cancer (opens in a new window)
- skin cancer (opens in a new window)
Reducing your risk of cancer
While not all cancers can be prevented, certain lifestyle changes can reduce your risk:
- Eating a healthy, balanced diet
- Being physically active
- Not smoking
- Reducing alcohol consumption
- Protecting your skin from sun damage
- Attending screening appointments when invited
Stopping smoking is the single biggest way to reduce your risk of several types of cancer, including lung cancer.
Cancer screening in Essex
Cancer screening helps detect certain cancers before symptoms develop.
If you are invited for screening, it is important to attend.
Screening programmes available through the NHS include:
- Breast screening
- Lung cancer screening (for people at higher risk due to smoking history)
- Cervical screening
- Bowel cancer screening
Why do cancer screening programmes have age limits?
Cancer screening programmes are designed to help find cancers early, before symptoms develop, in people who are at a higher risk of developing certain types of cancer.
The age ranges used for NHS screening programmes are not set locally. They are based on national evidence and recommendations from independent experts who carefully review the benefits and risks of screening for different age groups.
Screening is offered to people in age groups where research shows it is most likely to save lives and provide more benefit than harm. This is because the risk of developing some cancers increases with age, while the accuracy and effectiveness of screening tests can vary at different stages of life.
When deciding who should be invited for screening, experts consider factors such as:
- How common the cancer is in different age groups
- How well the screening test works
- Whether screening is likely to detect cancer early enough to improve outcomes
- The potential risks of screening, such as false positive results, unnecessary investigations, overdiagnosis, or treatment for conditions that may never have caused harm
Cancer screening programmes are designed for people who do not have any symptoms. If you have symptoms that could be cancer, it is important to contact your GP or another healthcare professional, regardless of your age. You do not need to wait until you are eligible for a screening programme to get symptoms checked.
Some screening programmes also allow people over the routine invitation age to continue receiving screening if they choose to do so. Information about this can be found on the NHS website or by speaking to your GP practice.
The NHS continually reviews screening programmes to ensure they reflect the latest scientific evidence and provide the greatest benefit to the population.
Urgent suspected cancer referrals (two week wait)
If your GP suspects you may have cancer, they may refer you for urgent tests under the urgent suspected cancer referral pathway, sometimes known as the two week wait.
This means you should be seen by a specialist or have tests within two weeks.
Being referred urgently does not mean you have cancer. Most people referred under this pathway do not receive a cancer diagnosis.
For more information about urgent suspected cancer referrals, visit the Cancer Research UK website (opens in external link).
Cancer support services
Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be challenging for you and your loved ones. A range of local and national organisations offer practical, emotional and financial support.
Essex Frontline
Essex Frontline helps you find local cancer support services by postcode or town. You can search using keywords such as “cancer” to find services near you.
Cancer Care Map
Cancer Care Map is an online resource that helps you locate support services near your postcode. It is operated by The Richard Dimbleby Cancer Fund.
Macmillan Cancer Support
Macmillan Cancer Support provides financial advice, emotional support, practical help and a directory of local services for people affected by cancer.
Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Cancer Research UK provides evidence-based information about cancer types, treatment options and ongoing research, as well as guidance and support resources.