​​Cancer 

Cancer is a large group of diseases that starts in our cells. Cancer happens when a damaged cell does not get repaired by our body and makes more damaged cell copies. These damaged cells can grow at a fast pace and can take over nearby tissue or spread. 

Important things to know about cancer are:

• Cancer can be preventable.
• Cancer can be detectable (it can be found with tests).
• Cancer can be treatable.
• Cancer can be beatable (you can recover from cancer).
  

Listen to your body and see your health care provider as soon as possible if you have symptoms that could be a sign of cancer. Your symptoms may not be cancer after all, but a checkup and tests can help you know more. 

Cancer symptoms can include things like:

• A change in bowel or bladder habits.
• A sore that doesn't heal.
• Unusual bleeding or discharge.
• A lump or swelling of the breast or body part.
• A nagging cough, indigestion or trouble swallowing.
• Wart, mole or skin changes.
• Unexplained weight loss or gain.
• Unexplained fever, tiredness or pain. 

If you live in British Columbia (BC) and do not have access to a doctor, consider calling the First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day program if you need to talk about your symptoms at 1-855-344-3800.
 

To learn more:

Cancer Screening Programs in BC​ (FNHA Guide)

Cancer 101 Whiteboard - YouTube  (Cancer Care Ontario Information Video)

About Cancer (bccancer.bc.ca) (BC Cancer Web Page)

HealthLinkBC Cancer Web Page

Cancer Basics – What is Cancer? - YouTube (Canadian Cancer Society Information Video)

What is Cancer? (Cancer Care Ontario Information Handout)​