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Hi all im new to this For the past 9 months ive had a niggling pain in my low left abdomen i went to a GP twice to be told try ignore as it doesnt sound sinister. Recently in the past 2 weeks ive noticed blood in my stool. I go regulary every day no change in bowel habits just the constant niggling pain which is bareable. Im very worried it could be cancer. My stomach also gurgles a lot and i pass a lot of wind Has anybody any similar experiences if so please let me know.

Hello I'm Alice I'm new to this site I'd like to talk with people going through cancer the same as myself I'm 68 and this is my second time going through breast cancer, Just looking for new online friends

HPV (human papilloma virus) is a very common virus that most people will have at some point in their lives.  There is over 100 strains of this virus and some strains increase your cancer risk.  1 in 20 cancers diagnosed worldwide are caused by HPV.  Further information about the virus can be found on our website. The HPV schools vaccine programme will shortly commence for 2021/2022 and will be offered free to both boys and girls in their first year of secondary school.  The HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9) protects against the HPV virus, which can cause cancer and genital warts in both women and men and protects against the types of HPV that cause 9 out of 10 cervical cancers. On the support line, we often get questions from the public about the vaccine and the programme, some frequently asked questions are: Is the Vaccine safe? The HPV vaccine is safe. The safety of the HPV vaccine has been studied for over 15 years. Over 1 million people have been studied during clinical trials since the vaccine was licensed in 2006.   Information about vaccine safety can be found here.  There is no scientific evidence in Ireland or in any other country that the HPV vaccine causes any long-term medical condition. There are stories on social media claiming that the HPV vaccine causes an increase in cases of: postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) – an increase in heart rate that can make you feel faint and dizzy complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) – a form of chronic pain that usually affects an arm or a leg The European Medicines Agency (EMA) researched these claims in 2015. They found no evidence that the HPV vaccine leads to an increase in these conditions, further information can be found here. Vaccines are strictly monitored and reviewed regularly by international bodies including the: World Health Organization European Medicines Agency Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the USA Are there any side effects from the vaccine? Most people have no problems after the vaccine. The HPV vaccine has many of the same, mild side effects as other vaccines.  Soreness, swelling and redness in their arm where the injection was given. This is nothing to worry about as this usually passes after a day or two. Headache, or feel sick in their tummy or have a slight temperature. If this happens, paracetamol or ibuprofen will help. Occasionally, some people may feel unwell and faint after getting their injection. To prevent this, when someone gets the vaccine they are asked to sit down and rest for 15 minutes after the vaccination. All international bodies have continually reported that the vaccines used in Ireland have no long-term side effects. Can Gardasil 9 be given alongside the COVID-19 vaccine? The National Immunisation Advisory Committee says that other vaccines can be given with COVID-19 vaccines.  A gap is not needed between COVID-19 vaccines and the vaccines offered as part of the school vaccination programme. My child/I decided not to proceed with the HPV schools programme in their first year of secondary school can they/I opt in now? Anyone not in 1st year of secondary school or age equivalent in special schools or home schooled during 2021/2022 school year who wish to get the HPV vaccine, must go to their GP or sexual health clinic and pay for the vaccine and its administration privately.  The vaccine costs approximately 200 euro per dose, if you have private health insurance we recommend to check if it is covered on your policy. Any student in first year of second level school in the 2020/2021 school year who had opted into the programme, but missed their second dose due to school closures will be offered an appointment to compete the course. If you miss a dose due to absence, contact your local school vaccination team to arrange an appointment. Some useful websites that are a good resource for information are listed below.  Please contact our support line on 1800 200 700 or by emailing supportline@irishcancer.ie if you would like any information or advice from a cancer nurse. https://www.hse.ie/eng/health/immunisation/pubinfo/schoolprog/hpv/hpv-human-papillomavirus/ https://www.hse.ie/eng/health/immunisation/pubinfo/schoolprog/hpv/hpv-vaccination-programme/ https://www.hse.ie/eng/health/immunisation/pubinfo/schoolprog/hpv/about/ http://www.hpra.ie/docs/default-source/vaccine-pils/gardasil-9-01-2020.pdf?sfvrsn=2

Hi to you all, I recently had a diagnosis of Vulval Cancer and following on from surgery in St James hospital was there any Gynae Support groups for women that anyone is aware of. thanks for reading this post and look forward to hearing from you.,

Hi, My mam (69) has contained cancer in the right humerus 12 years after breast cancer in the left breast & lymph nodes. All clear on the breast cancer some years back. This new cancer was Discovered after a pathological fracture to the humerus bone in her arm- without a fall- (a titanium rod and clips in arm required 9 weeks after fracture ). Does anyone have any experience of this? A metastses/sis after so much time in a ‘long bone’? Many thanks, I know my query is a bit specific but I am at very much at sea trying to find comparable or close to relevant experiences.

Hi. I had a mastectomy a week ago and cannot bring myself to look at my chest area. I have coped with 6 months of chemo, but find this part very difficult. Any advice?

The Irish Cancer Society is proudly supporting the virtual Childhood, Adolescent, Young Adult Cancers Survivorship Conference this year.  There will be a virtual stand available at this conference if you wish to speak with a nurse from our support line for any information about the services and supports we provide. Information about the conference, including the programme and registration can be found by clicking this link here. We know that a cancer diagnosis in a younger person can have a devastating impact on those affected, their families and communities.  Some services and supports that the Irish Cancer Society offer are: Cancer Information and advice. Through our support line, the Irish Cancer Society children’s nurse provides advice, support and information to parents.  We can be contacted by phoning 1800 200 700 or by emailing supportline@irishcancer.ie. There is also a range of information and publications available on our website. Counselling. We provide free counselling services and play therapy funded through our network of affiliated community cancer support centres. Parent Peer-to-Peer Support. In partnership with CanCare4Living, CanTeen Ireland, and the Childhood Cancer Foundation, we run Ireland’s parent peer support group for parents of children and teenagers with cancer.  Financial Assistance. The Children’s Fund and Travel2Care schemes gives direct financial support to any family who experience a childhood cancer diagnosis. Childhood Cancer Fertility Project. Providing services and developing new methods to preserve fertility for children and young adults after childhood cancer, further information can be found here. Night Nursing. We provide free in-home night nursing care for children and young adults at end-of-life. As part of our strategy 2020 – 2025 we are working to significantly enhance and expand the supports and services which we provide for children and young adults affected by cancer.  If you would like to speak with a cancer nurse about any of these services or for any support or advice, our Support line is available by phone on 1800 200 700 or emailing supportline@irishcancer.ie or alternatively you can drop into one of our Daffodil centres.

Hi Guys Hoping you can help. I finished treatment for breast cancer in january..My last scan was clear..I'm taking tamoxifen for the next 5 years and trying to push forward..However i just can't seem to shake the feeling not wanting to do anything off..I feel like a shell of myself and have really low days..I was 100 miles an hour through treatment and had so many plans for when i finished it..I fear recurrence alot..I want to be on my own alot too..I watch people find themselves and become so motivated after treatment but I'm just not there.

Rectum

My pharmacy says that the total cost of my medication is not covered under the Drugs Payment Scheme as I am having 2 cycles of chemo per month. Is this usual?