UNEXPECTED WEIGHT LOSS

Above: Fatigue and sudden weight loss are signs that you should see your doctor pain. One of the less common she adds. “The flank is the area causes is kidney cancer, but it’s between your lower back and the always worth having back pain bottom of the backside of your ribs. checked out to rule out an underlying This may also feel like side pain. problem, and get the right “If you experience any sudden treatment for your symptoms. pain that’s persistent and lasts more

“Back pain caused by kidney than a few days, you should visit a cancer can range from a dull ache to doctor to get to the bottom of it, even a sharp stab below the ribs on your though it’s unlikely to be cancer.” back, or on one side of your flank,”

“UNEXPLAINED weight loss is another key characteristic of nearly all cancers – so it’s definitely a symptom to look out for.

“In kidney cancer, a lot of people that have the condition will report weight loss. You may also suddenly lose interest in eating, which can contribute to this.

“If you’re experiencing symptoms of kidney cancer, it’s key to see your GP – particularly if you have risk factors for the disease.”

ONE OF the ways I manage feelings of being overwhelmed is through mindfulness. I do this both through weekly classes that I attend and daily exercises that I do at home.

With regular practice, mindfulness can help us to feel calmer and more in control by retraining our minds through purposefully focussing our attention and awareness.

Mindfulness engages the part of our brains that can observe what is happening within and around us at any time. When we’re being mindful, we are simply noticing what is happening, with conscious awareness and intent.

Our minds are powerful computers that generate thousands of thoughts everyday and are capable of myriad complex mental processes. Of course, we need our minds to think, but left unchecked and untrained, an unruly mind can get us into all sorts of trouble.

When we feel overwhelmed, our minds often race with thoughts of all the things we’ve got to do and toxic mindsets like worry, doubt and self-criticism only serve to add fuel to the fire.

Mindfulness allows us to minimise the impact of unhelpful thought patterns and keep our focus and attention where we want it. The amazing thing is that when we practice often enough, mindfulness changes the biology of our brains, creating new neural pathways that improve our ability to notice what our minds are doing so we can respond more effectively.

A good place to start with your own mindfulness practice is this simple breathing exercise. Sitting up straight with your shoulders relaxed, take a moment to settle into the natural rhythm of your breathing. Direct your attention to the tip of your nose and observe the sensations as you breathe in and out.

Whenever you notice that your mind has wandered (which it will frequently!), gently guide your attention back to the tip of your nose. Do this as often as required, always coming back to the subtle sensations as you inhale and exhale.

Do this for five minutes or longer if you have time.

One of the great things about mindfulness is that it can be practiced anytime, anywhere. I like to do this mindful breathing practice first thing in the morning to help centre myself before the day ahead and anytime I start to feel overwhelmed.

If you experience any sudden pain that’s persistent and lasts more than a few days, you should visit a doctor to get to the bottom of it... Oncologist Dr Ekaterini Boleti

Dr Ellie Harper is a counselling psychologist