Doctors in Waltham Forest are reminding communities to think about cancer during Ethnic Minority Cancer Awareness Month.

Throughout the month of July residents of Waltham Forest are being reminded of the importance of screening for the disease.

Research shows that some cancers are more common in particular communities and groups.

For example, black African-Caribbean men are three times more likely to develop prostate cancer compared to men of other ethnic groups and mouth cancer is common among South Asian communities.

In Bangladeshi and Chinese, liver cancer can be common.

In the UK, people registered with a GP are offered screening for breast, bowel and cervical cancer.

Women from age 25 are offered regular cervical screening and from age 50 they are offered breast screening.

Men and women are both offered bowel screening from age 60.

Early signs of cancer can include any unusual bleeding, lumps or changes in bowel or bladder habits or going to the toilet more often.

Dr Anwar Khan, local GP and chair of NHS Waltham Forest Clinical Commissioning Group said: “Spotting the signs and symptoms of cancer early is key.

“Cancer affects all communities and everyone should be aware of it. As a community together we can support each other to be more aware of cancer.”

Ethnic Minority Cancer Awareness Month was launched in 2008.

Further advice on preventing cancer and improving your health can be found online on the NHS Choices website.