Cancer

Our bodies are made up of millions of cells that are constantly dying and reproducing. The reproduction of new cells is controlled by our genes, which make sure our cells grow and duplicate in a controlled way, and ensure we only make as many new cells as our body needs. Sometimes when a cell reproduces, a change happens in the genes (a mutation) which means the gene is damaged, lost, or copied too many times and no longer understands it’s instructions on how to reproduce or grow. This can make cells reproduce more than they need to, forming a lump of cells called a tumour, which can then mutate further to become cancer. Some types of cancer start from blood cells. They don’t form solid tumours. Instead, the cancer cells build up in the blood and sometimes the bone marrow. For more detail on how cancer begins, visit How does cancer start? | Cancer Research UK.

As the UK’s leading cancer care charity, Macmillan provide a huge range of services, advice & support for cancer patients, as well as their family & friends and community locations. They have a support line (0808 8080000) which can be reached between 8am and 8pm, 7 days a week, and an online community providing 24 hour support to anyone affected by cancer. They also run a Macmillan Buddies service where you can receive up to 12 weeks of support, connecting you with someone who understands. A wide range of helpful information & advice can be found on their website.

Boots and Macmillan have a long-term partnership, and together have provided bespoke training to thousands of Boots Macmillan Information Pharmacists, Boots Macmillan Beauty Advisors and Boots Macmillan Opticians Professionals to offer advice, information and support, free of charge.

It is possible to recover from many forms of cancer, and to enter complete remission, where all signs & symptoms of cancer have disappeared. There is no ‘cure’ for cancer as some cancerous cells can remain in the body for years after treatment, but there may be no signs of any cancer being left

Emotionally, it is hard to say whether anyone can completely recover from cancer, as everyone is unique and handles situations differently. Some may feel completely recovered, whilst others may feel longer lasting effects. If you feel like you need support, don’t hesitate to reach out to your GP or cancer charities such as Macmillan. They have a support line (0808 8080000) which can be reached between 8am and 8pm, 7 days a week, and an online community providing 24 hour support to anyone affected by cancer.

‘Chemo belly’ describes how going through chemotherapy can affect your digestive system. Some people may experience symptoms during and after chemotherapy such as bloating, gas or abdominal pain. Other symptoms include diarrhoea or constipation. For most people, chemo belly will go away on it’s own once treatment has ended, although in some cases there can be longer-term impacts on your digestive health.