I know so many people that have been affected by and have lost their lives to cancer, so it’s important to keep the topic highlighted as often as possible.

In the UK cervical cancer is the fourth most common cause of death from cancer in women under 35. Prostate cancer is the second most common cause of deaths from cancer in men. March was a particularly poignant month for cancer awareness. It was Prostate Cancer Charity Awareness Month and was also the anniversary of the death of Jade Goody, who lost her battle with cervical cancer in March 2009.

As a mother myself I could only imagine the fear and sadness she must have felt knowing she would never see her two young sons grow up. She was the same age as I am and I could never imagine what she went through.

Jade bravely lived out her last few months in front of the cameras to highlight the traumatic effect the disease had on her life. I was particularly moved by the documentary which followed her life from when she was first diagnosed to her final hour.

Her passing made many of us realise that anyone could be at risk no matter how young. We can all help in keeping Jade’s legacy for cancer awareness alive by passing on the message to the men and women in our lives.

Get checked up

From the recent discussions I’ve had with my own friends and family, I was shocked to learn so many of them hadn’t been for an examination for many years or at all!

Cervical cancer

Screening can be referred to as a cervical screen, smear test or Pap smear but whatever it may be called, regular screening can pick up abnormal cervical cells before they become cancerous.

Many doctors believe it is best to wait until you are 25 for screening, but if you are worried about symptoms at any age go and see your doctor. It is important to attend your appointment if you are 25 or older, and continue to have a screening test every three years until you are 49. For people aged over 50 the repeat tests are every five years.

Symptoms for cervical cancer include bleeding between periods, bleeding after sex, after the menopause and abnormal discharge.

Prostate cancer

The symptoms for prostate cancer include wanting to wee more frequently, difficulty in urinating and occasionally blood in the urine.

Each year in the UK 10,000 men die from the disease. It is less common below the age of 50, the risk is greater in those with a family history or those of black-African and black-Caribbean origin.

So ladies and gents — get checked up.

For more advice you can visit www.cancerresearchuk.org
If you have questions about cancer you can call Cancer Research UK’s team of cancer nurses on freephone 0808 800 4040
9am until 5pm Monday to Friday.