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.
- Cancer can be treatable.
- Cancer can be beatable.
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.
In this section
Understanding 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.
Recognizing Cancer Symptoms
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 1-855-344-3800 line to consult the First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day program if you need to talk about your symptoms.
Resources for Learning More
For additional guidance, video explainers, and informational sheets, review the following resources: