Get checked

 Check for unusual changes and have regular screening tests

For most cancers, finding it early means treatment has a better chance of success.

Look out for:

• coughs or hoarseness that won't go away
• unexplained weight loss
• a mole or skin spot that changes shape, size or colour
• changes in your toilet habits or blood in a bowel motion.

These signs don't necessarily mean you have cancer, but it's important to have them checked out.

Screening is an effective way of finding cancer early and is recommended where there is a proven benefit:

• Women aged between 50 and 69 years are encouraged to have a mammogram for breast cancer every two years. Visit the Breast Health pages on the Cancer Council Victoria website for more information.
• Women aged betwen 18 and 70 years are encouraged to have a Pap test every two years to detect early changes that can lead to cervical cancer. Visit PapScreen Victoria for more information. 
• Men and women over 50 are encouraged to do a faecal occult blood test (FOBT) every two years for bowel cancer. Visit Cancer Council Victoria's bowel screening pages for more information.
• There is currently no test to differentiate between prostate cancers that are slow-growing and unlikely to cause harm and those that are aggressive and require treatment. Because the side effects of prostate cancer testing and treatment are often very serious, we encourage men concerned about prostate cancer to speak to their doctor to make an informed decision about whether testing is right for them. Visit Prostate Health for more information.

Immunisation: As well as having a regular Pap test, girls and women can help prevent cancer of the cervix by having the cervical cancer vaccine. Speak to your doctor or visit the Cervical Cancer Vaccine website for more information.