Doctor Dawn Harper answers all your questions
DAWN HARPER
CAN THE NHS REMOVE MY LUMP?
Q Several years ago, I had a fatty lump removed from my shoulder and have now developed the same thing on my upper arm on the other side. My GP says it’s nothing to worry about and isn’t cancerous. However, it’s quite unsightly and I’d like it removed, but I’m told the NHS doesn’t fund this any more. Is that true?
A I’m afraid it is. I expect you have what is called a lipoma and because these are benign, the NHS considers removal to be a cosmetic procedure and therefore not covered by NHS services. You could look into having this removed privately, but I would advise checking costs before you commit, as it may be more expensive than you think.
Cancer test
Q I’m 56. When my husband was about my age, he was sent an invitation for a colonoscopy to check for bowel cancer. I seem to remember his appointment came from the NHS rather than our GP. Is there a number I can ring to chase this up?
AWe used to offer a colonoscopy as screening after your 55th birthday, but this has now been replaced by a home-testing FIT (faecal immunochemical test) kit. You collect a small sample of poo, which is then sent to a lab to test for tiny amounts of blood. If blood is found, you’d be invited for further tests. Kits are sent out every couple of years to anyone between 60 and 74. This is gradually being rolled out to 50- to 59-year-olds so you may hear soon.
BABY SCARE!
Q My daughter is 20 weeks into her second pregnancy and is in a bit of a panic as her first child has been sent home from school with suspected hand, foot and mouth disease. She is terrified the infection could harm her unborn baby. My husband and I are wondering whether we should collect him and bring him to stay with us. What do you think?
A At this stage in her pregnancy, there is usually no risk to the pregnancy or the unborn baby. We advise avoiding contact with hand, foot and mouth during the first trimester, as a high temperature in the first three months can (very rarely) cause miscarriage, and in the last few weeks before delivery, as the baby could be born with a mild form of the disease.
Afraid to ask?
WHY IS MY BLADDER OUT OF CONTROL?
Q For a long time I’ve been aware that I seem to get less notice than most when I need to have a wee, but the urgency has become so bad that I can’t go out without knowing there is a loo close by. What is going on?
AIt sounds like you may have an overactive bladder, which is where the blad
