The Big 'C'

Bowel Cancer

Bowel cancer awareness and support for young patients in Dorset.

Symptoms

If you have any of these, see your GP right away — it's almost always something else, but it's always worth checking.

Bleeding from your bottom, or blood in your stools
A change in bowel habit lasting 3 weeks or moreespecially looser or runnier stools
Unexplained weight loss
Extreme tiredness for no obvious reason
A severe pain or lump in your tummy
Prostate Cancer

Often no symptoms at all in the early stages — that's exactly why knowing your risk matters.

Symptoms & risk

Needing to pee more often, especially at night
A sudden urge to pee, or difficulty getting started
Straining, or taking a long time to pee
A weak flow
Feeling that your bladder hasn't fully emptied
Blood in urine or semen
Erectile dysfunction
New from June 2026

The UK government has accepted a recommendation for targeted PSA screening: men aged 45–61 with a known BRCA2 gene change and a family history of prostate, breast, ovarian or pancreatic cancer are now offered a free PSA test every 2 years. This is being rolled out — if it applies to you, ask your GP.

Who else should consider a test

Any man aged 50+can ask their GP for a free PSA test, even without symptoms
Black men, from age 45higher risk group — worth a conversation with your GP
Anyone with a father or brother who's had prostate cancer, from age 45
Confirmed BRCA2 gene carriersoffered annual PSA tests from age 40

There's no national call-up programme like there is for breast, bowel or cervical screening — outside the new targeted group above, you have to ask your GP yourself.

Getting tested

It's a simple blood testdone at your GP surgery — no special prep, though avoid vigorous exercise or ejaculation for 2 days before
It measures PSA (prostate specific antigen)a raised level doesn't always mean cancer — about 2 in 3 men with a raised PSA don't have it
If your PSA is raisedyour GP may also do a physical exam and refer you for further tests, such as an MRI scan or biopsy

Contact

Free, confidential support from specialist nurses — for you, or anyone worried about someone else.

Mon–Fri, 9–5 (Wed 10–5)
Specialist Nurse Helpline Free by phone or WhatsApp
0800 074 8383
Prostate Cancer UK's risk checker →
Breast Cancer

The UK's youth-focused breast cancer awareness charity — their mission is to make sure all breast cancers in young people are diagnosed early and accurately.

Symptoms

Breast cancer can be symptomless in the early stages, which is why checking monthly to know what's normal for you matters.

Skin changes such as puckering or dimpling
Unusual lump or swelling in your armpit or around your collarbone
Unusual lumps or thickening
Liquid coming from your nipple (discharge)
Crusting or a rash on or around your nipple
Nipple pulled inwards, or changes direction
Sudden change in breast or pec size or shape
Constant, unusual pain in your breast, pec or armpit

When you'll be screened

Women aged 50–70invited for a mammogram every 3 years as part of the national screening programme
Menbreast cancer is rare, so there's no screening programme — but a GP check is available at any age if something feels wrong
Any age, any symptomyou can ask your GP for a physical check at any time — you won't be wasting anyone's time

Contact

CoppaFeel! Unit 4, Bickels Yard, 151–153 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3HA