Cancer is not catching. Sneezing or touching does not pass it on to other individuals However there are some infections in the form of bacteria or viruses that are not cancer, but they can create the conditions for a cancer to develop. Most commonly this is because they may weaken our bodies ability to destroy cancer cells by affecting the immune system.

The recently publicised new vaccine to prevent young girls developing cancer of the cervix (lower end of the womb),acts against the virus that is known to significantly increase the risk of developing cervical cancer. The number of new cervical cancer cases has fallen significantly in richer affluent countries, due to screening, and preventative treatments, but women in poorer developing countries are still significantly affected.

Women from UK BME communities are less likely to take up invitations for cancer screening than the general British female population. Lack of awareness about cancer may be compounded if English is not the first language. Complex medical jargon is not always easily translated or interpreted into other languages.

Click on the following link for information about a free national interpreting telephone helpline for UK residents affected by cancer.

http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/Healthcareprofessionals/Reachingmorecommunities/CancerinYourLanguage