The pandemic has changed a lot of things; your family doctor/nurse practitioner wanting to ensure you are taking care of your health and wellbeing is not one of them.
If you have any unexplained, new, worsening or persistent changes in your health or changes in your body: don’t delay. Book an appointment with your family doctor/nurse practitioner right away so they can begin to investigate any changes you are experiencing.
Your health is important. The healthcare system is prepared and ready to respond to any issues you experience and our facilities and primary care clinics remain safe places to seek care.
Your body talks, listen to it.
Detecting disease early, especially cancer, is important to save lives. There are symptoms you can look for, and if you experience any of them, book an appointment with your family doctor/nurse practitioner or health care team immediately, even during the pandemic. They will work with you to decide what tests you need. Some examples include:
• An unusual or growing lump
• Blood in your stool, urine, or phlegm, especially if persistent or associated with other symptoms related to your bowels (pain, constipation), urination (pain, frequency, poor stream), or breathing (worse cough or shortness of breath). Also, unusual bleeding from vagina, especially in postmenopausal women
• Any changes to a mole (size, shape, colour)
• Trouble urinating for men, such as needing to pee right away, more often, with difficulty or pain
• Unexplained significant weight loss (>10%)
For a full list of symptoms: https://myhealth.alberta.ca/cancersymptoms
For other cancer resources: www.ahs.ca/bodytalk
If your family doctor/nurse practitioner suspects cancer, they will refer you for testing, such as imaging or biopsy and possibly to a specialist to plan any necessary treatment.
If you do not have a family doctor/nurse practitioner, you can find one by calling 811 Health Link or by visiting www.albertafindadoctor.ca
