A senior medic has urged people not to put off going to the doctor if they have cancer warning signs such as lumps, sudden weight loss or unexpected bleeding.
Vaughan Lewis spoke out after research suggested that thousands of patients were worried about burdening the NHS, especially since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
Dr Lewis, the medical director for the NHS in the south east, called on anyone with possible cancer symptoms to come forward for potentially life-saving checks.
His plea supports the new “Help Us Help You” campaign, aimed to raise awareness of cancer-related symptoms affecting the abdominal area as well as signs of urological and lung cancer.
Dr Lewis said: 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 the NHS, supported by Public Health England, features people with a range of symptoms.
These include prolonged discomfort in the stomach area or a persistent cough, with the aim of persuading people experiencing similar symptoms to contact their family doctor.
The NHS said that possible warning signs for abdominal or urological cancers could include
- Discomfort in the stomach area for three weeks or more
- Diarrhoea for three weeks or more
- Blood in urine – even just once
…
The NHS said: “Contact your GP (general practitioner) 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.”
Mark Jenkins, 55, from Horley, Surrey, had cancer diagnosed during the covid pandemic.
