Cancer Care Reviews (CCR)
Hi, I am Pam (Kay) a Practice Nurse in our team. One of my roles is offering support to people with a cancer diagnosis and a part of that includes something called a cancer care review, often abbreviated to CCR, which you may have heard mentioned from your hospital team.
Cancer Care Review
This is an opportunity to discuss what matters to you following your cancer diagnosis and to discuss any worries or concerns you may have.
This could include side effects of treatment, medications, symptom management or emotional support.
You may also wish to discuss financial support, healthy lifestyles and physical activity and returning to work.
It is a chance to understand what support and information is available nationwide and in your local area and to talk about your cancer experience.
Cancer care reviews are offered within the first 3 months following your diagnosis and again within 12 months.
It can be face to face in the surgery or over the telephone, whatever fits best with yourself, and you are welcome to bring along a friend/family member/carer or attend alone.
Following your review, you may wish to be referred to other team members for specific advice including Social Prescriber, Care Coordinator or a Health&Wellbeing coach and i can do that for you. I also have good communications with your hospital team
Clinical Nurse Specialist ( CNS ) so can seek advice from them if needed.
Importance of checking for cancer
Spotting cancer at an early stage saves lives. Diagnosing cancer when it isn't too large and hasn't spread means that treatment is more likely to be successful.
Cervical
Cervical screening is a free health test available on the NHS as part of the National Cervical Screening Programme. It helps prevent cervical cancer by checking for a virus called high-risk HPV and cervical cell changes. It is not a test for cancer.
The most common symptoms include:
- Vaginal bleeding that is unusual for you - after menopause, between regular periods or after sex
- Unexplained pain in your lower back or between your hip bones (pelvis)
- Pain or discomfort during sex
- Changes to vaginal discharge
It is very common for people to be anxious for their smear tests especially if it's their first. The file below contains information regarding:
- What it is
- Who is invited
- What happens during a cervical screening appointment
- Cervical screening results
Smear test information.pdf (1,161KB)
For more information on cervical cancer, visit the NHS Website
Breast
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK. Most women diagnosed with breast cancer are over the age of 50, but younger women can also get breast cancer.
Symptoms can be:
- Change in size of one or both breasts
- Discharge from nipples
- Lump or swelling in either of your armpits
- Dimpling on the skin of your breasts
- Rash on or around the nipple
- Change in appearance of your nipple
Coppafeel
Breast cancer awareness
CoppaFeel! | Check Your Chest | Breast Cancer Awareness Charity
For more information on breast cancer, visit the NHS Website
Bowel
NHS bowel cancer screening checks if you could have bowel cancer. It's available to everyone 60 to 74 years. If you are in this age range and registered with a GP then you will automatically recieve a test kit in the post with instructions. If you've been invited to take part and need more information or a new test kit, contact: 0800 707 6060
Be bowel aware
How to reduce your risk of bowel cancer.
A number of changes to your lifestyle can significantly reduce your risk of bowel cancer including:
- Eating less red or processed meat
- Eating a healthy balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fibre
- Reducing your weight if overweight or obese
- Reducing your alcohol intake
- Stopping smoking
- Having regular bowel cancer screening from 45+
www.check4cancer.com
Visit the NHS website to view more information regarding bowel cancer screening and it's importance.
Testicular
Cancer of the testicle is one of the less common cancers, and tends to mostly affect men between 15 and 49 years of age. Typical symptoms can be:
- Painless swelling or lump in one of the testicles
- Any change in shape or texture
Video: How to correctly examine your testicles
It is highly advised to frequently check your testicles as treatment is much easier and more successful when noticed earlier on. It takes only minutes to perform an inspection and can possibly save your life.
For more information regarding testicular cancer, please visit the NHS website
Resources
Local
- Cancer Matters Wessex is a dedicated website for patients in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and Dorset, who need support or advice about cancer. The site provides information about the referral process, what happens if you are diagnosed with cancer and the local and national support available.
- Cancer Care Map is a useful online directory of cancer support services across the UK.
- Macmillan In Your Area is an online search tool for local Macmillan services including information and support, wellbeing services and rehabilitation groups.
National
The organisations below all provide reliable and evidence-based information for your patients.
- NHS – Cancer
- Cancer Research UK provide a wide range of information and support around cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatments, and the latest research and evidence.
- Macmillan Cancer Support provide information on all cancer types and offer many other services for your patients including: telephone support line, online community, information booklets, benefits and work advice and access to financial support.
The following tumour site specific charities can offer focused support for people who want to find out more about their cancer, including other people’s experiences following diagnosis: