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Cancer
Mouth Cancer
Mouth cancer can develop on the lips, tongue, gums, and cheeks
Three signs and symptoms that should not be ignored are:
- ulcers which don’t heal after three weeks
- red and white patches in the mouth
- unusual lumps or swellings in the mouth or throat
46% of oral cavity cancer cases in the UK are preventable, and 78% of cases occur in people age 55.
1 in 55 UK males and 1 in 108 UK females will be diagnosed with oral cancer in their lifetime. Insufficient fruit and vegetables intake is linked to an estimated 56% of oral cancer cases.
Mouth cancer is twice as common in men than women, though the number of women diagnosed with mouth cancer is on the rise. More people in the UK die each year of mouth cancer than of cervical and testicular cancer combined.
Early diagnosis saves lives- see your GP or dentist if you have any of the symptoms of mouth cancer.
Cancer Referral Information
From 1 October 2023, cancer waiting time standards are being modernised and simplified, moving to three measures:
- 28-day Faster Diagnosis Standard – diagnosis or ruling out of cancer within 28 days of referral (target 75%)
- 31-day Treatment Standard – a first treatment within a month of decision to treat for all cancer patients (target 96%)
- 62-day Treatment Standard – a first treatment within two months of referral or consultant upgrade (target 85%)
There will be no change to how GPs refer patients onto a suspected cancer pathway. All changes will be made in the reporting of the standard. The changes will allow more focus on outcomes not processes and encourage modern cancer diagnostic practices like one-stop-shops, remote image review, and straight-to-test.
The Faster Diagnosis Standard target will increase gradually to 80% by 2026.
Early Cancer Diagnosis
Different types of cancer have different symptoms. These symptoms can be caused by things other than cancer. But if you experience any of the symptoms listed below, or any other unusual symptoms, you should see your GP as soon as possible. You are not wasting your GP’s time by getting your symptoms checked.
Telephone: 0808 808 00 00
Website: www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support
The National Cancer Patient Experience
The National Cancer Patient Experience survey allows cancer patients to give feedback on the care they have received. This feedback is used to understand where care is working well and how NHS cancer services across England can be improved. Results from the survey are used by providers to improve the experience of cancer patients at a national, regional, and local level. The survey is run by Picker on behalf of NHS England. Click below to take part:
Website: www.ncpes.co.uk
Gynae Cancers
With more than 22,000 UK cases and almost 8,000 deaths every year, we want people to be more aware of the symptoms and risks of gynaecological cancers.
For more information, please see below:
Cervical Cancer
Don’t ignore your cervical screening invite.
Call your GP practice to book an appointment as soon as possible.
The NHS invites all women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 for cervical screening every three to five years.
Cervical screening prevents deaths from cervical cancer and saves thousands of lives each year.
- For more information and useful links please click here: Cervical Cancer
Radiotherapy
This initiative, which is overseen by a Steering Group, comprises healthcare professionals, Macmillan representatives, and patient representatives. The service aims to provide care and support for cancer patients and their carers within the OUH NHS Trust catchment area (Oxon, Bucks, and Wilts) who develop physical and psychological symptoms as a result of radiotherapy.
A pivotal part in the development of this service is to listen to and consider the patient voice from within our local communities, to ensure that from their perspective the proposed service is accessible and meets the needs of those affected by radiotherapy late effects.
Using personal experience and knowledge, it is expected that the patient representatives will provide advice on how the service is developed, constructively challenging the thinking of the Steering Group.
- For more info about getting involved as a patient representative, please Email:dafydd.charles@outlook.com
The Less Survivable Six Cancers
Do you know the less survivable six?
Brain, liver, lung, oesophageal, pancreatic, and stomach cancers are the six less survivable common cancers.
They are responsible for almost half of all cancer deaths and make up a quarter of cancer cases each year in the UK.
Only 16% of people diagnosed with a less survivable cancer will survive for five years. We’re urging everyone to be aware of the symptoms of these potentially deadly cancers and to seek advice from your GP surgery as soon as possible if they recognise any of the signs.
Please see below more information
NHS Links
There is a wealth of information on the NHS website about carers and caring. Below are some links into the site that we hope you will find useful.
- A guide to care and support – Information for carers and people who have care & support needs.
- Caring for someone – Advice on providing care, medicines etc.
- Care after hospital – Providing care for people who have been recently discharged from hospital.
- Taking a break – Caring for someone can be a full-time job – find out about accessing breaks and respite care.
- Support and benefits for carers – Caring for someone can be a full-time job – find out about accessing breaks and respite care.
- Work and Disability – Guidance, support and help with employment issues.
- Being a Young carer – Advice for carers 18 or under and their entitlement to support
Bowel Cancer
Research has confirmed that 4 in 10 adults in the Thames Valley region can’t name a single symptom of bowel cancer –the UK’s second biggest cancer killer.
We support the work of Bowel Cancer UK to ensure that more adults are aware of the five main symptoms of a disease:
- bleeding from your bottom and/or blood in your poo
- changes in your bowel habits –eg constipation or diarrhoea –that continue and can’t be explained
- unexplained sudden weight loss
- extreme tiredness for no obvious reason
- a pain or lump in your tummy
Having close relatives who have had bowel cancer may also increase your risk.
So, watch out for the five symptoms and do –and return –your screening kit if you receive one through the post.
43,000 UK adults are diagnosed each year, and between 2018-2020, more than 6,500 people Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and West Berkshire received the news that they had the condition.
Anyone who has any of the five key symptoms for more than three weeks should contact their GP surgery for advice.
- For videos and more information on websites please see click here – Bowel Cancer
Prostate Cancer
Men with an increased risk of prostate cancer are aged 50+ or whose father/brother has had prostate cancer or black men aged 45+.
More than 12,000 men die from Prostate cancer each year in the UK
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK- but early diagnosis saves lives.
Early Prostate cancer often has no symptoms, but difficulty peeing can be a sign – get your self checked out by a GP.
A GP can discuss with you if you need a blood test called a PSA test.
Prostate Cancer is survivable if caught and treated early enough – early diagnosis saves lives:
Cancer Care Reviews
Why do we offer these to cancer patients at Westongrove?
A Cancer Care Review (CCR) is a conversation between a patient and a Health or Social Care professional about their experience with cancer.
It is essential to personalised care and helps patients to:
- talk about their cancer experience and concerns.
- understand what support is available in their community.
- receive the information they need to begin supported self-management.
Please click the link to the youtube video to hear of patient experiences
We will send you a questionnaire usually via your phone to help you prepare for the appointment.
Please contact your surgery if you are having trouble with the questionnaire.
Support Websites for Cancer
For more information and support please visit the below websites:
Skin Cancer
There are two main types of skin cancer and almost 173,000 cases [CRUK and CRUK] are diagnosed each year.
Since the early 1990s, rates of both types of skin cancer have more than doubled [CRUK]
Reducing the number of skin cancers rather than having to treat them, even if diagnosed early, is better for everyone.
For more information please see below:
Carer
Tell Us You Are a Carer
Carers are hugely important to the NHS and at Westongrove we value and appreciate the many carers who are registered with us, and the support and care they provide to those that they care for. We aim to encourage good health and wellbeing for our carers so that they are supported to continue in their caring role.
Am I a Carer?
Are you the main carer for an elderly or disable person whose welfare may be at risk if you were to fall ill?
A carer is anybody who looks after a family member, partner or friends, who needs help because of their illness, frailty or disability. They may be in receipt of a Carers Allowance, or all of the care they give may be unpaid.
If this is you, please let us know that you are a carer:
NHS Links
There is a wealth of information on the NHS website about carers and caring. Below are some links into the site that we hope you will find useful.
- A guide to care and support – Information for carers and people who have care & support needs.
- Caring for someone – Advice on providing care, medicines etc.
- Care after hospital – Providing care for people who have been recently discharged from hospital.
- Taking a break – Caring for someone can be a full-time job – find out about accessing breaks and respite care.
- Support and benefits for carers – Caring for someone can be a full-time job – find out about accessing breaks and respite care.
- Work and Disability – Guidance, support and help with employment issues.
- Being a Young carer – Advice for carers 18 or under and their entitlement to support
Carers UK
They’re here to make sure that no matter how complicated your query or your experience, you don’t have to care alone.
Telephone: 020 7378 4999
Website: www.carersuk.org
Carers Bucks
Our local organisation that provides great support for all Carers in our locality.
Telephone: 0300 777 2722
Website: www.carersbucks.org
Care Advice Buckinghamshire
Care Advice Buckinghamshire is a website for adults in need of care and support in Buckinghamshire, their families and carers. You can find information and advice, ways to assess your own needs, community support and care products and services.
Website: www.careadvicebuckinghamshire.gov.uk
Child Health
Bucks Healthcare
Provides a range of services to children and young people throughout Buckinghamshire including health visiting, school nursing, physiotherapy and occupational therapy. You can self-refer to many of these services.
Telephone: 01296 566045
Website: www.buckshealthcare.nhs.uk/Children-and-young-people
Bucks Healthcare – Health Visiting Service
Every family with a child under five years old has access to the health visiting team. We offer free universal support either face to face or via telephone according to the Department of Health’s Healthy Child Programme.
They work in the community, in children’s centres and in families’ own homes to promote health and wellbeing and to support families with all aspects of bringing up a child.
Website: www.buckshealthcare.nhs.uk/cyp/pre-school-assessment-and-development/health-visiting
Child Health Clinics
View Child Health Clinic information from the Buckinghamshire Family Information Service.
Website: www.bucksfamilyinfo.org
Vaccination planner
Download a personalised vaccination calendar, which highlights the dates your child needs to have their vaccinations by.
Childhood illness visual guide
Use this visual guide to help you identify common conditions and illnesses that may affect your child. Includes conditions such as measles, slapped cheek syndrome, chicken pox and warts.
Counselling, Depression, Anxiety and Stress
Disclaimer
Every effort is made to ensure that the information published here is accurate and informative.
Contact details are provided for information. We cannot accept responsibility for any information available on the various websites listed, and can confirm that by listing service providers we are not implying endorsement.
Bucks Talking Therapies
Talking Therapies are an NHS service offering quick and easy access to talking therapies, practical support and employment advice. Anyone who is feeling depressed, anxious or stressed, is aged 18 or over, thinks they may need counselling and has a GP in Buckinghamshire can request help from Healthy Minds.
Telephone: 01865 901 600
Text: Text TALK and your name to: 07798 667 169
Better Help
BetterHelp was founded in 2013 to remove the traditional barriers to therapy and make mental health care more accessible to everyone. Today, it is the world’s largest therapy service — providing professional, affordable, and tailored therapy in a convenient online format. BetterHelp’s network of over 30,000 therapists worldwide has helped millions of people take ownership of their mental health and work towards their personal goals. As the unmet need for mental health services continues to grow, BetterHelp is committed to expanding access to therapy globally.
Website: www.betterhelp.com
Self Harm – Young Minds
Self harm is difficult to talk about but it’s a common problem and you can beat it. Find out what self-harm means and what to do if you think you’re affected by it.
Website: www.youngminds.org.uk
Buckinghamshire Mind
An independent charity working to support and represent people with mental health needs in the local community.
Telephone: 01494 463364
Website: www.bucksmind.org.uk
Lindengate
Lindengate is a mental health charity that offers specialised gardening activities to help those with mental health needs in their continuing recovery.
Telephone: 01296 622443
Email: info@lindengate.org.uk
Website: www.lindengate.org.uk
Mind
Mind provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
Telephone: 0300 123 3393
Website: www.mind.org.uk
Samaritans
Samaritans offer a safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way – about whatever’s getting to you. You don’t have to be suicidal. Call Samaritans free, 24 hours a day 365 days a year.
Telephone: 116 123
Website: www.samaritans.org
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Rethink
Rethink provide expert, accredited advice and information to everyone affected by mental health problems.
Telephone: 0300 5000 927
Website: www.rethink.org
Kooth
Free anonymous online chat for young people to discuss your mental health issues.
Website: kooth.com
Domestic Abuse
Rape Crisis Aylesbury Vale
Serves the Aylesbury Vale area and supports women affected by abuse with the aim of enabling survivors to live fulfilling lives.
Telephone: 01296 392 468
Website: www.avrc.org.uk
Aylesbury Women’s Aid
For all women and their children who are or have experienced physical, mental, emotional, financial or sexual abuse in their relationships and to offer support, information, advice, access to temporary safe accommodation and aftercare.
Helpline Refuge : 01296 436827
Helpline Outreach/IDVA : 01296 437777
Website: www.aylesburywomensaid.org.uk
Victim Support
Helps anyone affected by crime, including domestic abuse.
Telephone: 0845 450 3883
Website: www.victimsupport.org.uk
Suzy Lamplugh Trust
Helps anyone affected by stalking behaviour. Offers practical advice concerning stalking and the law, but also has links to Single Points Of Contact within each police force who can review cases of stalking to ensure enough is being done to protect victims.
Telephone: 0808 802 0300
Website: www.suzylamplugh.org
Drugs and Alcohol
Drinkaware Online Tools & Apps
Online trackers and apps from Drinkaware to help you avoid harm from alcohol.
Download from: www.drinkaware.co.uk
One You Drinks Tracker – Mobile App
Drinking a bit too much can sneak up on you. Our free drinks tracker app makes it easy to keep an eye on the booze and take control with daily tips and feedback.
Download from: Google Play: One You Drinks Tracker
Download from: iTunes: One You Drinks Tracker
One You Days Off – Mobile App
The One You Days Off app is a simple and easy way to track the days you drink alcohol and the days you don’t.
Download from: Google Play: One You Days Off
Download from: iTunes: One You Days Off
Oasis Partnership
The Oasis Partnership is a charity providing specialist drug and alcohol support services across Buckinghamshire since 1984. They offer a wide range of recovery focused support options, aiming to help individuals to address their drug or alcohol problems and get their lives back on track.
Telephone: 01296 337717
Website: www.oasispartnership.org
Email: info@oasispartnership.org
Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment Centres
Drug and alcohol counselling in Buckinghamshire is offered by centres in Milton Keynes and Aylesbury, as well as being provided by the rehab in High Wycombe.
Website: www.drug-addiction-treatment.org.uk
Drinkline
If you’re worried about your own or someone else’s drinking, you can call this free helpline, in complete confidence.
Telephone: 0300 123 1110
Talk to Frank
If you have a problem with drugs Talk to Frank for friendly, confidential drugs advice.
Telephone: 0300 123 6600
Text: 82111
Website: www.talktofrank.com
Email: frank@talktofrank.com
One Recovery Bucks
We provide a confidential, free and easy-to-access service to anyone living in Buckinghamshire impacted by their own or someone else’s use of alcohol and drugs.
At One Recovery Bucks, we believe individuals are capable of changing their lives for the better. We are committed to help you do this by providing high quality, evidence-based services.
Website: www.onerecoverybucks.org
Eating Disorders
Bucks Community Eating Disorders Service
The Buckinghamshire Community Eating Disorders Team provides community support for adults with eating disorders, who need help and advice from our multidisciplinary team.
The team provides psychological assessment and therapy, dietetic advice, support & monitoring, and can help with shopping and meal planning depending on individual needs and decisions made during the initial assessment process.
The team will work alongside, and in collaboration with, existing health professionals to ensure that everyone involved is kept informed and up to date with diagnosis, treatment and progress.
Website: www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/cotswoldhouse/service/bucks/
Beat Eating Disorders
Our national Helpline exists to encourage and empower people to get help quickly, because we know the sooner someone starts treatment, the greater their chance of recovery. People can contact us online or by phone. We listen to them, help them to understand the illness, and support them to take positive steps towards recovery. We also support family and friends, equipping them with essential skills and advice, so they can help their loved ones recover whilst also looking after their own mental health. And we campaign to increase knowledge among healthcare and other relevant professionals, and for better funding for high-quality treatment, so that when people are brave enough to take vital steps towards recovery, the right help is available to them.
Website: Helplines – Beat
Elderly Care
Age UK Buckinghamshire
Age UK offers help for older people to achieve and maintain their independence and wellbeing.
Telephone: 01296 431911
Website: www.ageuk.org.uk/buckinghamshire
Email: age@ageukbucks.org.uk
Alzheimer’s Society
Dementia Information and Support Sessions provide information about dementia and relevant support services. There will also be the opportunity to chat with others in a similar situation.
Telephone: 01296 331749
Website: www.alzheimers.org.uk
Hay Fever
Hay Fever Advice
Keeping Healthy
NHS One You – How are you quiz
Get a FREE personalized health score when you complete this 10 minute quiz.
How Are You is for over 18s only and is only designed to point you in the right direction. It’s not a medical assessment – if you’re worried about your health you should speak to a health professional.
Bucks Online Directory
Find activities and organisations near you!
Website: www.directory.buckinghamshire.gov.uk
Maternity
Buckinghamshire Maternity Services and Birth Choices
Having a baby is an exciting time for all the family. At Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, we want to provide you with excellent care and support throughout your pregnancy and birth.
View an overview of what to expect from our maternity services during your pregnancy and the birth choices we can offer.
Buckinghamshire Healthcare Maternity services
View information on Obstetrics and gynaecology, Pregnancy, labour and postnatal care and Supervision of midwives from Buckinghamshire Healthcare Maternity services.
Website: www.buckshealthcare.nhs.uk
Baby Buddy App
Baby Buddy is an award winning mobile phone app for new parents and parents-to-be, created by mums, doctors and midwives.
Download from: Google Play: Baby Buddy
Download from: iTunes: Baby Buddy
Buckinghamshire Family Information Service
View information and advice from pregnancy to early years.
Website: www.bucksfamilyinfo.org
Sexual Health
Sexual Health Bucks
Find information on local Buckinghamshire Sexual Health and Wellbeing (bSHaW) walk-in clinics and advice and support.
Telephone: 0300 303 2880
Website: www.sexualhealthbucks.nhs.uk
Sexual Health Help Line
The Family Planning Association Sexual health help line can give you confidential information and advice.
Telephone: 0845 122 8690
Brook
Brook provides free and confidential sexual health and wellbeing services for nearly 250,000 young people UK-wide, each year.
Website: www.brook.org.uk
Family Planning Association
They are a sexual health charity. They give straightforward information and support on sexual health, sex and relationships to everyone in the UK.
Website: www.fpa.org.uk
Stop Smoking
Be Healthy Bucks
Ready to stop smoking and want to give yourself the best chance of success? You could be eligible for 8-12 weeks of FREE, personally tailored support – to help you quit for good.
Our trained health and wellbeing coaches are experts in behaviour change and they fully understand how difficult quitting smoking can be.
Website: bhb.maximusuk.co.uk/stop-smoking/
Veterans
Forcesline
Free confidential helpline provides supportive, listening signposting service for serving personnel, Veterans and families.
Telephone: 0800 260 6780
Website: www.ssafa.org.uk/get-help/forcesline
Combat Stress
Confidential and safe help and advice about Service-related mental health issues for the whole military community.
Telephone: 0800 138 1619
Website: combatstress.org.uk
Blesma
We are dedicated to assisting serving and ex-Service men and women who have suffered life-changing limb loss or the use of a limb, an eye or loss of sight.
Website: blesma.org
The Ripple Pond
Free support for adult family members of injured, wounded and sick, currently serving, reservist veterans and all military personnel.
Website: www.theripplepond.org
Help for Heroes
Support for family members of injured, wounded and sick, currently serving, reservist or veterans.
Website: www.helpforheroes.org.uk
Weight Management
Be Healthy Bucks
Our tried-and-tested approach ignores fad diets in favour of small, realistic changes. Our nutritionists and exercise leaders will work with you to help you to achieve your goals. Find support that’s right for you – join us in person or online.
To take part, you need to be a Buckinghamshire resident and over 16-years-old with a BMI of more than 30 (or 28 for ethnic minorities or people with long-term health issues).
Weight Watchers
Meetings, Online or a little bit of both. We’ve got options and support, whatever your lifestyle.
Website: www.weightwatchers.com
Slimming World
You’ll find delicious recipe and menu ideas at your local group, along with all the help you need to get started and reach your target weight.
Website: www.slimmingworld.co.uk