Practice news – November 2024

Pancreatic cancer awareness

Let’s light the UK in purple on 21st November to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer. You can also choose to Take on Challenge 24.
Pancreatic cancer may not present any symptoms to start with, though symptoms may include:

Pain and discomfort in the upper part of the tummy (abdomen) that sometimes spreads out into the back

Signs of jaundice such as yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, itchy skin, dark pee (urine) or pale and smelly poo (stools) that are difficult to flush away (steatorrhoea)

Unexplained weight loss

https://www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk…rence/pancreatic-cancer-awareness-month-pcam/

Lung cancer awareness

If you have a cough for three weeks or more, a change in a cough you’ve had for a long time, a chest infection that doesn’t get better or repeated chest infections, chest or shoulder pain that doesn’t get better, a hoarse voice for three weeks or more, then make an appointment to see your GP. Also, if you’re feeling breathless and wheezy for no reason, coughing up blood, losing weight for no obvious reason or feeling tired, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with your GP practice. These could be potential signs of lung cancer, and while most won’t be, it’s important to get checked.

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-awareness/lung-cancer-awareness-month

Domestic violence and coercive control (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, 25th November and 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, 25th November to 10th December )

Men, women and children who are escaping domestic violence can contact the appropriate helpline and will be provided with free transport to be able to escape their situation along with other support.

https://www.womensaid.org.uk/what-we-do/supporting-our-members/travel-to-refuge/

Less than 0.2% of government aid is aimed at preventing violence against women. Making clear our support for women ensures that we’re clear that gender-based violence is unacceptable in our society.
This year’s 16 days of activism against gender-based violence aims to draw government attention to the plight faced by many women. Gender-based violence against women must be brought to an end.

https://www.un.org/en/observances/ending-violence-against-women-day

Child flu

Children aged 2-3 can get their flu vaccination from their GP surgery now. For children who are in an at-risk group, you can book an appointment through the surgery if you don’t want to wait for the schools’ programme.

https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/child-flu-vaccine