Cancer is not one disease but many, all with some similar features but all with a distinctive character which varies according to the cancer’s type and location.

There are over 200 types of cancer, but all start in the same way.  Put simply, cancer is a disease of the cells.  The control signals in a normal cell in the body go wrong, resulting in an abnormal cell.  Cells normally divide and replicate themselves as a process of renewal, in a controlled way, but abnormal cells keep on dividing and this forms a lump.

The cluster of abnormal cells is called a tumour.  Some tumours are benign, or harmless, and often don’t need treatment.  But malignant tumours – the cancers – can spread. They may be dangerous because they can invade nearby parts of the body and stop them working properly.  Cells from malignant tumours can break away and travel to other parts of the body, where they can form new groups of abnormal cells, called secondary growths.  It is therefore possible to have a secondary breast cancer in the lung, for example.

What causes cancer and how quickly the cells grow and spread, is different from person to person.  A large number of people with cancer overcome the disease, or live fulfilled lives for many years.  A poor diet, lack of exercise, being over weight, smoking, heavy drinking, over exposure to the sun and hereditary factors can all contribute to causing cancer.

Below are explanations of some of the most common medical terms relating to Cancer

Adjuvant Therapy – Treatment, usually chemotherapy or radiotherapy given following surgery. It is given even if there are no symptoms of cancer at the time of treatment but where the risk of a secondary cancer is thought to be high.

Alopecia – Hairloss

Benign – Non-cancerous, used to refer to tumours which grow slowly in one place and which, once removed by surgery, tend not to recur.

Biopsy – Microscopic examination of a sample of tissue that has been removed from an area of the body where cancer is suspected.  Sometimes a small sample is taken with a special needle and sometimes a complete growth is removed for examination.

Bone Marrow – The spongy inner part of large bones where blood cells are made.  Bone marrow aspiration is the removal by fine needle of a small amount of bone marrow for examination.

Bronchoscopy – A test used to examine the inside of the lung.

Cancer – The name given to a group of diseases that occur in any organ of the body, and which all involve abnormal or uncontrolled growth of cells.

Carinogen – A substance that can cause, or help to cause, cancer

Carcinoma – A cancer that arises from the lining of an organ or system.  They are the commonest cancers.

Chemotherapy – The treatment of disease with chemicals, such a cytotoxic (cancer destroying) drugs.  The drugs can be given as tablets or more usually by injection or by a drip inserted into the arm by a needle.

Cytology – Microscopic study of individual body cells.

CT (Computed Tomography) scan – Produces a cross-section image of the head and body which is then analysed by computer.

Diagnosis  – Identification of a disease in a person’s body.

Endoscopy – Looking inside the body through a small fibre-optic tube passed into the lungs or the digestive system

Haematologist – A doctor who specialises in the treatment of blood disorders.

Histology – The Study of tissues, used in diagnosis.

Hormone Therapy – Treatment with hormones to control cancer growth, usually for cancer of the breast, prostate, thyroid and uterus (womb).

Isotope Scan – A scan involving the injection of a very weak radioactive substance, which collects in the organ being investigated so that it can be viewed more easily with a special camera.

Lesion – Damage or change to the tissue which may or may not be cancer.

Lumpectomy – The surgical removal of a lump

Lymphangiogram – A special x-ray procedure carried out to display the lymphatic system.

Lymphatic system – The system of lymph nodes and the vessels or small tubes which connect them.  Lymph nodes are located throughout the body, filtering out dangerous substances and producing infection-fighting cells called lymphocytes.

Lymphoedema – Swelling, usually in the arms or legs, which occurs became the lymph vessels are damaged or blocked.  This can occur following some treatments for cancer, or due to the cancer itself.

Malignant – Cancerous. Malignant tumours can invade and destroy surrounding tissue and have the capacity to spread to other parts of the body.

Mammogram – A specialised x-ray which shows up the breast tissue and can detect breast cancer at a very early stage.

Mastectomy – The removal by surgery of all or part of the breast.

Metastasis – The spread of cancer from one part of the body to another, by way of the lymphatic system or bloodstream.

Neoplasm – Another name for a tumour.

Oncologist – A type of medicine dealing with the study of tumours that may or may not be malignant.

Oncology – A type of medicine dealing with the study of tumours that may or may not be malignant.

Orchidectomy – Surgical removal of a testicle.

Palliative Care – Palliative care concentrates on your quality of life and that of your family.  It focuses on the provision of pain relief and symptom control during illness.  It is especially important for those whose illness cannot be cured, but should be available to all cancer patients.

Primary cancer – The place where cancer originally developed.

Prognosis – The predicted future course of an illness.

Prosthesis – A specially made replacement for a part of the body which has been removed, such as a breast or a limb.

Radiographer – The person in the health care team who takes x-rays and scans or gives radiotherapy (therapeutic radiographer)

Radiology – The use of x-rays in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

Radiotherapy – The treatment of cancer by x-rays or gamma rays to destroy cancer.  A dose of radiation is directed at a particular area of the body.  It can also be carried out internally, under general anaesthetic.

Secondaries – A site to which a cancer has spread through the blood stream.

Staging – Determining the extent of cancer in a person, using strict measures.  It helps doctors to decide on best treatment.

Syringe drivers – A means to administering pain-killers or chemotherapy drugs under the skin which relieves patients of the need for frequent injections.

Systemic therapy – Use of treatments, like chemotherapy, which affect the whole body.

Terminal care – Care of a person in the last days or weeks before they die.  The emphasis is on making the person free of pain and as comfortable as possible.

Terminal illness – Active and progressive illness which cannot be cured.  The Patient receives palliative care.

Tumour – A growth, formed out of a mass of cells, which can be either benign or malignant.  Also known as a neoplasm.

Tumour markers – Substances produced by some tumours that can be traced in the blood.

Ulcer – A sore that doesn’t heal.  An ulcer can be cancerous or non-cancerous.

Aecc Contra el Cancer – Junta Provincial de Almería

Are you aware of the centre in Almería which anyone can use?

There is a facility where all cancer prevention tests are carried out. This applies to both MEN and WOMEN.

The service is FREE, friends who have used it are happy to leave a donation to continue this very worthwhile work. The Only criteria is one must make a prior appointment and they only work 7-10 days in advance.

MAMMOGRAMS, SMEAR TESTS, PROSTATE TESTS and tests for both sexes for the prevention of cancer of the COLON. There is also a programme to help people stop smoking.

The Dames in Turre support this group financially with the generous help of many residents of Cabrera.

Thank you for taking the time to read this notice.

Aecc Contra el Cancer

Juntal Provincial de Almeria

C/Gerna, 38, Almeria

Tle: 950 24 42 06

almeria.aecc@teleline.es

Up until recently, you were able to go to your medical centre, or call them to get an appointment to see your GP. Now this is changing and a new system for appointments is being introduced to make it quicker for you and the health centres.

You can get an appointment by calling a central number. They will answer in Spanish, but it is quite easy to understand if you have basic Spanish. You will need your Social Security card ready. The number to call is 902 505 060. You can call this number any day of the week and at any time, as this is a 24/7 service. Ask for “Cita para mi medico”, give your social security number on your card and accept the appointment that they give you. If it is not convenient just say “another time, another day”, or “otra hora, otro dia” and if this is convenient, say yes.

Another way to make an appointment is via the internet. Just visit the following website: www.juntadeandalucia.es/servicioandaluzdesalud

At the top right hand page you will see the following box, which you will have to click:

“Cita medica de atención primaria”

Then click on the following box:

“Introduciendo datos personales

On the box “No de Tarjeta Sanitaria”, put your Social Security number, without leaving any space (the first number on your card – around 12 digits).

“Fecha de nacimiento” is your date of birth, eg; 05/02/1950.

On the box called “Tipo” click on the arrow and choose your identification document (passport, residencia DNI or other) and then insert the number of the document on the next box.

Click on “Conectar” and you will be taken to a new page.

On your left hand side you have a menu with several options. Click on “Cita para el medico” to make an appointment with your GP and then click on the following box:

“Usuario:” Your Name – “Solicitar (consultar o cancelar) Cita para Medico o Pediatra”

A new page will appear with the name of your doctor and a choice of choosing if you would like to be seen due to illness (default choice) or for prescriptions. Tick the appropriate choice, then click the date which suits you best and finally click on “Solicitar Cita”. Now you can choose a time for your appointment and when decided, tick your choice and click on “Asignar Cita”. Your appointment has been made and you can now print the appointment by clicking on the printer icon, or to cancel it, by clicking on Cancelar Cita”.

INTERS@S

INTERS@S es la oficina virtual del sistema sanitario publico andaluz. Una puerta abierta desde internet a todos los usuarios, para obtener informacion y realizar gestiones con comodidad y seguridad.

En INTERS@S – ademas de solicitor cita – puede elegir medico y centro de salud, consultar sus datos personlaes y modificarlos si lo desea, informarse sobre la tarjeta sanitaria, realizar tramites relacionados con el Registro de Voluntades Vitales Anticipadas y con la solicitud de Segunda opinion medica, obtener formularios…..

Pedir cita en cinco pasos

UNO:Acceder a la pagina web del Servicio Andaluz de Salud y localizar INTERS@S www.juntadeandalucia.es/servicioandaluzdesalud

DOS:Introducir varios datos de la persona que necesita la cita, para poder saber quien es su medico y en que centro le atienden.

TRES:Decidir la fecha. En INTERS@S puede reservar cita para consulta de medicina de familia o pediatria el dia que major la convenga y hasta con una semana de antelacion.

CUATRO:Elegir la hora. INTERS@S le mostrara las citas disponibles y podria elegir la hora que mas le interese..

CINCO:Revisar los datos de la cita. Una vez elegida la cita podria imprimir un comprobante en el que figuran todos los datos incluyendo lugar, dia y hora de consulta.

En cualquier momento puede cambiar, consultar o anular facilmente la cita solicitada por INTERS@S.

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What are E121, E106, E111 & E121 forms and why do I need them?

What do I need to receive health care in Spain? 

In this article, I shall endeavour to unravel the mysteries of the forms and procedures required for both holidaymakers and residents of Spain to receive state health care. As the UK is now in the EU, there is a reciprocal agreement with Spain to provide medical cover for UK nationals, depending on the individual circumstance. However, an anomaly currently exists, as apparently the DHS (formerly the DHSS) say if you are out of the country for more than three months of the year you are no longer considered resident in the UK, while Spain go by the more logical timescale of over six months of the year. In truth, so many individuals are travelling to and from Europe for varying periods of time, it is very difficult for both the Spanish or the British offices to keep track, and many individuals who have a Residencia card in Spain remain on the DHS records in the UK because they have never officially ‘de-registered’ by notifying their health centre or the DHS.

Before we get too lost in this particular bureaucratic maze, suffice to say there are four main categories for a UK national to use the Spanish national health services:

A) holidaymakers and people spending occasional periods of time in Spain;
B) pensioners;
C) people of non-retirement age living in Spain who are unable to work and
D) people intending to live and work legally in Spain, or who have taken early retirement.

A) If you are a visitor to the area (and this applies to anyone who has not applied for a Residencia card, nor has a work contract, nor is self employed), you should contact the Overseas Department of the DHS in Newcastle prior to leaving the UK, and request a form E111, which entitles you to routine medical treatment. The E111 is usually issued for a one year period, and you can normally renew it for a further 12 months. Thereafter, a second renewal willusually be refused as it is apparent you are spending the majority of your time out of the UK, and you will be expected to make provision for medical cover in the country where you are living. If you do need to visit a doctor or hospital, you should present the El11 to them as soon as possible

B) If you are of pensionable age, and intend to live in Spain. you can contact the DHS and request a form E121. This is applicable for British men over 65 years old and women over 60 years old. However, the Costa Blanca will only accept this form if you apply for, or hold, a Residencia card. The E121 should be handed to the Seguridad Social (Social Security) office in Denia. It provides permanent health cover and does not need to be renewed. You will beissued with a temporary health card, and in due course, will receive a permanent card and letter confirming the details of your designated doctor and clinic. This will always be in your area, i.e. if you live in Javea, you will be assigned a doctor at the Javea health centre.

C) If you are unable to work, and claim incapacity benefit, you may also apply for a form E121, regardless of your age. If you do not claim  incapacity benefit, you will not be eligible to use this form. Again, you must apply for a Residencia card in order for the Spanish social security office to accept your request for state medical care.

D) If you decide to take early retirement, or wish to receive medical cover while you are finding work in Spain, you may apply for a form E106. Please note you are only eligible to this form if you have been working and/or paying in to the UK system for the last three years. The E106 provides temporary cover, usually for two years: thereafter you will not be able to request an extension. If after expiration of the E106 you have reached retirement age, you can thenapply for the E121 as described above. In all other cases, you will be expected to provide your own medical cover, either through private health insurance or by working within the system. With an E106, you do not receive a medical card; you take your El06 form to your local state health centre/doctor in the same manner as an E111. Please note that private doctors, clinics and hospitals do not accept any of the European (E) health care forms. It is also important to note that the E121 and El06 forms are regarded as permanent: in other words, you will be transferring your health provision from the UK to Spain. This means that you will still be eligible for cover in the UK, but as a visitor.  Should you decide to return to live in the UK, you should contact the DHS and ask them to re-register you on the British health system.

Turning now to work related cover: at a later date I shall be looking in closer detail at all the paperwork required for self employed individuals, but in respect of health provision, cover is provided both for the worker and their family members by way of a social security monthly payment. For employees, the employer should provide for their social security cover by paying the requisite monthly “stamp” at source.  Again, this includes cover for dependents. There is a new system for registering a dependent of the holder of an E121/E106 form or a self employed/employed individual. An Assistencia Sanitaria form must be completed in duplicate, showing the details of both the person with the health provision and their dependent/s. If the dependent is a wife/husband, the original Marriage Certificate + copy must accompany the form. If the dependent is a child, the Birth Certificate + copy must be produced. If the dependent is a partner, a Certificate of Convivencia must be obtained from the local Town Hall/Guardia Civil. Asalways, when discussing matters that relate to European regulations, these are evolving as the rules within the EU are refined, and it is quite possible that the above could be in future be modified. Should anything significant change in the coming months, I will endeavour to
advise you accordingly.

ALTHOUGH THIS INFORMATION HAS BEEN ELABORATED WITH THE GREATEST POSSIBLE CARE, AND ITS CONTENTS ARE CORRECT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
INFORMATION CURRENTLY AT OUR DISPOSAL.

How do I apply for a Dependency Allowance?

SERVICIOS SOCIALES COMUNITARIOS

APPLICATION FOR DEPENDENCE ALLOWANCE: BENEFITS AND SERVICES

You need to have been living in Spain for a minimum of 5 years.

IT IS NECESSARY TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR LOCAL TOWN HALL, SOCIAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, TO MAKE THE INITIAL APPLICATION. 

DOCUMENTS YOU WILL INITIALLY NEED:- 

NIE –RESIDENCE CARD           –           PHOTOCOPY

PASSPORT                                  –            PHOTOCOPY

APADRONAMIENTO

MEDICAL CARD                           –           PHOTOCOPY 

VOLUNTARY REPRESENTATIVE  (CARER)

DOCUMENTS NEEDED WILL BE:-

 NIE – RESIDENCE CARD          –           PHOTOCOPY

PASSPORT                                  –           PHOTOCOPY

APADRONAMIENTO

MEDICAL REPORT.

A MEDICAL REPORT TO CONTAIN INFORMATION REGARDING CONDITION AND STATE OF HEALTH OF THE APPLICANT, SUPPLIED BY A LOCAL GP AND OR SPECIALIST IN THE PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEM.

 A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE JUNTA DE ANDALUCIA WILL VISIT YOU IN YOUR HOME TO INTERVIEW YOU AND REVIEW YOUR APPLICATION. YOU WILL THEN RECEIVE A LETTER FROM THE JUNTA DE ANDALUCIA INFORMING YOU OF THIER INTERPRETATION OF THE LEVEL OF YOUR DEPENDENCY.

 TAKE THIS LETTER TO YOUR SOCIAL SERVICES OFFICE AND MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR THEM TO VISIT YOU IN YOUR HOME. 

OTHER DOCUMENTS MAY BE REQUIRED, YOU WILL BE ADVISED. 

BACK PAYMENT IS USUALLY PAID FROM DATE OF APPLICATION.

DEGREE OF DEPENDENCE.. 

VERY DEPENDENT

WHEN IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THE DEPENDENT HAS A PERSON CONTINUOUSLY AND PERMANENTLY AVAILABLE TO CARRY OUT THE BASIC ACTIVITIES OF EVERY DAY LIFE DUE TO TOTAL LOSS OF PHYSICAL; MENTAL; INTELLECTUAL OR SENSORY INDEPENDENCE. 

SEVERE DEPENDENCE.

WHEN THE DEPENDENT NEEDS HELP TO CARRY OUT THE BASIC DAY TO DAY ACTIVITIES, 2 OR 3 TIMES PER DAY BUT DOES NOT REQUIRE THE CONSTANT ASSISTANCE OF ANOTHER PERSON. 

MODERATE DEPENDENCE.

WHEN THE DEPENDENT NEEDS HELP TO CARRY OUT BASIC DAY TO DAY ACTIVITIES AT LEAST ONCE PER DAY. 

SERVICES.

TELE-ASSISTANCE (TELEPHONE LINK)

HELP IN THE HOME

DAY CENTRES

NIGHT CENTRES

RESIDENTIAL HOME

CENTRES FOR SPECIAL NEEDS 

TYPES OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

 FINANCIAL PROVISION LINKED TO SOCIAL SERVICES

FINANCIAL PROVISION FOR FAMILY CARERS

FINANCIAL PROVISION FOR CARE ASSISTANT.

ENRIQUE ZUBIETA PEREZ S.L.
RONDA 301, BJO 4009 ALMERIA
TELE 950272507

ORTO SANITARIA S.L
DR. GREGORIO MARANON
37 BAJO, 4005, ALMERIA
TELE 9501221799

ORTOPEDIA GUILLEN
ALTAMIRA 20
4005 ALMERIA
TELE 950222934

How do I go about Organising a funeral here in Spain?

If you are concerned about your funeral in Spain, as many people are, the following information should provide peace of mind.

Collyfer, S.L. Funeral Directors, founded 45 years ago, is a Spanish run company with 2 full-time English funeral directors; they are based in Huercal Overa, Almeria and serve the Spanish and English population.

At the time of writing (Oct 2009), a funeral costs on average 1,950 euros for a basic cremation. This includes the coffin, transportation and 1 day mortuary fee (after which it is 90 euros per day), the hygienic treatment and cremation of the deceased, all legal paperwork and the death certificate, flowers and the return of the urn with ashes to the next of kin.

A grave burial in Spain is rare, but can be arranged. Further information can be provided upon request.

At Collyfers, no funeral is carried out within the first 24 hours of death – it is actually illegal to bury or cremate a body in Spain, before a 24 hour time period has elapsed. If you are English and need to wait for family to arrive from overseas, this can be accommodated.

Collyfers, have English ministers they can call upon and can arrange any type of service for you, from Christian to humanist.

Wakes can also be arranged.

If you need help or advice and/or require more information Collyfers can be contacted as follows:
Website: www.collyfer.com
Email: beckie@collyfer.com  (Beckie Harris)

Tel: 950 616010
Fax: 950 470920
24 hour service: 950 616161

English 24-hour contact number:  617 456 335

How do I obtain a Blue Badge Disabled Parking Permit

In order to acquire a Disabled Parking Permit the following procedure is necessary to evaluate the level of incapacity of the applicant.

Documents required:

(1) DNI or Passport

All relevant and recent Medical reports from Doctor or Specialist.

Photocopies of these documents.

 It may be possible for your GP to refer you directly to the Consejeria para Igualdad y Bienestar Social, Centro de Valoracion y Orientacion, at the Hospital Bola Azul in Almeria; in which case your GP will make the necessary arrangements and you will receive a phone call with an appointment date and time.

Alternatively you may make an appointment with the Social Worker at your local Town Hall to discuss the matter and to complete the preliminary application form.

 When you receive your appointment date you will be required to attend three interviews at that time.

1.     Regarding your physical incapacity.  All Medical reports will be reviewed and discussed with you.

2.     A psychological assessment will be made.

3.     A social evaluation will be carried out, both your own and other family members who live with you.  This will include, economic situation, whether you or family members are in employment and details of  any pensions or allowances received.  Finally your family situation and environment.

 You will then be given a form to hand to your GP or Specialist, requesting a  current medical report relating to your condition.

 Finally complete and submit the application form for the permit which will also be given to you on the day of the interview.

An important part of managing your care is knowing what questions to ask of your doctor. Every person’s needs are unique, and your questions will change over time.

Here are some examples of the types of questions you may want to ask your doctor.

General information

  • What type of cancer do I have?
  • Where exactly is it located?
  • What are the risk factors for this disease?
  • Is this type of cancer caused by genetic factors? Are other members of my family at risk?
  • How many people are diagnosed with this type of cancer each year?
  • What lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, rest) do you recommend I make to stay as healthy as possible before, during, and after treatment?
  • Where can I find more information about my cancer?

Symptoms

  • What are some common symptoms of this type of cancer?
  • How can I avoid symptoms and/or manage them with my daily activities?
  • Is there anything that can be done to make my symptoms better?
  • Are there activities that may make the symptoms worse?
  • If new symptoms arise or existing symptoms worsen, what should I do?

Diagnosis

  • What diagnostic tests or procedures are necessary? How often?
  • What will these tests tell us about my cancer?
  • How can I prepare myself for each test or procedure?
  • Where do I need to go to have this test?
  • When will I get the results? How will I get the results (over the phone, at the next appointment, etc.)?
  • Can you explain my pathology report (laboratory test results) to me?
  • If I seek a second opinion, will I have to repeat any tests or procedures?
  • How much information about my diagnosis should I share, and at what time, with my friends and loved ones?

Staging

  • What is the stage of my cancer? What does this mean?
  • Has cancer spread to my lymph nodes or anywhere else?
  • How is staging used to determine cancer treatment?
  • What is my prognosis (chance of recovery)?

Treatment

Keep in mind that all treatments come with risks and benefits. Talk about these with your doctor and consider your medical history and current condition in deciding whether the treatment approach is appropriate for you.

  • What are my treatment options?
  • What is the goal of each treatment?
  • What clinical trials (research studies involving people) are open to me?
  • What treatment do you recommend? Why?
  • How much experience do you have treating this type of cancer?
  • How will this treatment benefit me?
  • Will I need to be hospitalized for treatment, or is this treatment done in an outpatient clinic?
  • What is the expected timeline for my treatment plan? Do I need to be treated right away?
  • How will this treatment affect my daily life? Will I be able to work, exercise, and perform my usual activities?
  • What are the short-term side effects of this treatment?
  • What long-term side effects may be associated with this cancer treatment?
  • Will this treatment affect my ability to become pregnant or have children?
  • Besides treating cancer, what can be done to treat my symptoms?
  • How can I keep myself as healthy as possible during treatment?

Clinical trials

  • What are clinical trials?
  • How do clinical trials help people with cancer?
  • Is this a treatment option for me?
  • How will I be monitored while participating in a clinical trial?
  • What happens if my disease gets worse or is not treated effectively while participating in a clinical trial?
  • How is treatment paid for if I participate in a clinical trial?
  • Where can I get more information about clinical trials?

Support

  • What support services are available to me? To my family?
  • Whom should I call with questions or concerns during non-business hours?
  • May I contact you or the nurse to talk about additional information I find?
  • If I’m worried about managing the costs related to my cancer care, who can help me with these concerns?
  • Who handles health insurance concerns in your office?

Follow-up care

  • What follow-up tests do I need, and how often will I need them?
  • Is there anything else I should be asking?