Wessex Cancer Alliance is urging people to go to their GP if they have any concerns about their health which may be signs of cancer.
We all know that the current coronavirus pandemic has been destructive beyond measure, to human lives and the health of our population. But, the NHS is not closed and your GP is still there to help you. Islanders are being reminded that it is vitally important that the pandemic does not prevent you from seeking medical advice when you need it.
Medical Director for Wessex Cancer Alliance, Matt Hayes, says:
“Our data tells us that fewer people are contacting their GP, but when they do a higher than usual percentage of the referrals made for suspected cancer are being diagnosed at a more advanced stage. This means people may be sitting on their symptoms – either because they think they might have Covid-19, or they are afraid to catch Covid-19, or maybe they think the symptoms will simply go away.”
Thoracic Surgeon at University Hospital Southampton, Aiman Altzetani has the following advice:
“We know that this is a scary time and people are anxious about coming to hospitals but when it comes to cancer, it is a well known and proven fact that the earlier we catch your cancer, the better your chances of surviving will be. We have measures in place to keep you safe and the time you spend in hospital will be kept to a minimum for your tests but it really is vital that we find out what is causing your symptoms so we can rule out cancer or get you started on the treatment you need…
“We are in particular, concerned about patients from ethnic communities who are reluctant to seek health advice due to a variety of barriers such as language or culture, we would like to assure them that we will be able to cater for their needs and arrange the necessary translators and cultural sensitive services to help them voice their concerns and get the timely and appropriate treatment”.
Lung cancer is not just something you get if you are a smoker, although that will increase your risk; there are other factors that can mean you are more at risk from this disease, such as family history, growing up around smokers and/or working in certain environments where asbestos may have been present for example. As well as a persistent cough, other symptoms can also be,
- coughing up blood
- sudden weight loss that you cannot explain
- fatigue (extreme tiredness)
- a loss of appetite.
If you speak to your GP and they are concerned your symptoms may be cancer, they will refer you on what is known as a Fast-Track referral. The first test that will be carried out, is a chest x-ray – many of which are currently taking place in sites away from where COVID patients are being treated, to help reduce the risk to patients and staff. You may also be booked for a CT scan, the results of which will be reviewed by a specialist. Your clinical team will explain everything to you and provide you with leaflets or links to online forms you can read to get more information.
Ho, ho. Try getting to see a GP in Cowes: “Sorry, we’re not making appointments”.
Try Tower house, the reception staff know more about my privates than my wife now.
Spot on! Tower House is an absolute disgrace, can’t get through to anyone who thinks you’re valid for any sort of appointment! The place is locked down like Parkhurst..
Same as Godshill
yes couldnt agree more, phoned gave receptionist all my details and told a gp would phone me back, all i got was a text message prescription at pharmacy for me to collect, no consultation nothing, didnt even get the chance to explain problem fully. Prescription help the symptoms but not the cause.
What a insulting remark that ““We are in particular, concerned about patients from ethnic communities who are reluctant to seek health advice due to a variety of barriers such as language……. “
Most of the Nhs staff we see are not likely to be British now, so it could be said that a lot of elderly indigenous British people find understanding the language from some of the Doctors and consultants quite an issue.
Most, if not all, are very nice, and very good at their jobs, but I would have thought that language was more of an issue for indigenous Brits now. And they are their parents are the ones who have paid in to support the NHS for decades
Good luck trying to get a doctors appointment , they don’t want to know.
I’ve given up with mine .
Why even report this when on this island most gps have been hiding away on full pay for the last year and no one can get an appointment only an e consult there will be hundreds of undiagnosed and now untreatable terminal cancer patients now thanks to covid the 99% recovery virus the ONLY thing that matters