The NHS’s Medical Director for the South East of England is urging people with potential cancer symptoms to come forward for lifesaving checks.
The plea supports the recently launched Help Us Help You campaign, aimed to raise awareness of cancer-related symptoms in the abdominal area, urological cancers, and lung cancer.
NHS data shows that more than 25,141 people in the South East are diagnosed with abdominal or urological cancers each year. However, research shows that 3 in 5 people (60%) are concerned about burdening the NHS, with half (49%) saying they would delay seeking medical advice compared to before the pandemic.
Vaughan Lewis, Medical Director for the NHS in the South East, said:
“We know that thousands of people could be risking their lives by delaying medical attention for cancer symptoms.
“Thanks to the hard work of NHS staff, we are back on track with cancer referrals, diagnosis and treatment so, whether you or a loved one has a routine appointment, or a potential cancer symptom, please don’t delay and come forward to get yourself checked – we would rather see you sooner when any cancer would be easier to treat. We are open and ready to treat people with potential cancer symptoms.
“It’s incredibly important that people recognise the common symptoms that can signal a cancer diagnosis – and it’s vital that they take action by making an appointment with their GP, that could ultimately save their life.”
The ‘Help Us, Help You’ campaign from NHS England, with support from Public Health England, will feature people with a range of symptoms, such as prolonged discomfort in the tummy area or a persistent cough, with the aim of persuading people experiencing these to contact their GP.
Symptoms that could be possible signs of abdominal or urological cancers include:
- Discomfort in the tummy area for 3 weeks or more
- Diarrhoea for 3 weeks or more
- Blood in your pee – even just once
Contact your GP if you have any of the above symptoms or you notice any other unusual changes, such as a lump in the tummy area, post-menopausal bleeding, or unexplained weight loss, as these can also be signs of cancer.
For lung cancer, symptoms can include:
- A cough for 3 weeks or more that isn’t Covid
- Chest infections that keep coming back
- Coughing up blood
Mark Jenkins, 55, was diagnosed with lung cancer during the pandemic. He didn’t seek help initially after he coughed up blood but after a fall at work, further tests revealed his cancer diagnosis.
Mark said:
“Although I feel lucky, I know things could have turned out so differently. I would say to anyone ‘go and get yourself checked out if you cough up blood’. I wish I had. I might have saved all this from happening to me.”
Michelle Mitchell, Cancer Research UK’s chief executive, said:
“This important campaign is coming at a crucial time when tens of thousands of people have yet to be diagnosed with cancer. If you’ve noticed an unusual change in your health, don’t be tempted to put it down to getting older or to a pre-existing condition – contact your GP. If you have trouble getting through to the practice at first, do keep trying.
“And when you speak to your GP – whether that’s face to face, on the phone or by email – if you’re worried that you might have cancer, mention that to them and attend any follow up tests your GP thinks are needed. If you do need to visit in person but you have concerns about COVID-19, speak to a healthcare professional.”
see your doctor thats taking the p— more chance of winning the lottery sat night
How ????when the first point of call is seeing a G.P. If you manage to get through on phone its a miracle to get passed receptionist. Every time I see the advert on t.v I want to put my foot through screen and scream Tell the G.Ps this, and for gods sake will the A&E staff complain about G.Ps sending everyone up there rather than seeing them themselves in the surgery they’re putting more pressure on A&E !
that’s halar.doctors dont see noone! disgraceful.cut there pay for doing fa
sposed too see face too face if you ask for it! yea ok why still is no-one sorting this lazy behaviour
everywhere else back too normal.if there so scared of the black death wear PPI fgs.mask up and crack on will ya!
covid has been used way too often now as an excuse not too do things and it needs too stop
were all living with covid .doctors services should be as they were by now no feeble nonsense.
so cancer will be missed if they can’t be a..ed too see patients
Oh, I do enjoy a larf first thing in the morning!
Would Mr Lewis like to visit Cowes (just as an example) and find out how realistic is his advice?
What a joke I’ve been trying to get a scan for a big hard swollen lymph gland for nearly a year. Only to be told that my GP is only allowed to order scans in exceptional circumstances. Complete farce.
When is the government going to wake up and do something about G.Ps , yes we all had sympathy at the beginning but they’re taking the p… Now !
What’s a GP?? Do they even exist anymore?
Tried filling form online, banner appeared saying urgent phone surgery see GP Phoned surgery and when eventually got through explained situation, gestapo receptionist suggested appointment with nurse. I said no.I want to see GP She made appointment with nurse. 2 weeks later they gave in and let me see GP. Got urgent referral. So tell the surgeries to see patients not patients to see GP