People with symptoms of cancer are being urged to come forward amid concern that tens of thousands are “risking their lives” because they do not want to burden the service.
The new chief executive of NHS England is encouraging anyone with potential signs of cancer to visit their GP and have what she said could be a life-saving checkup.
Amanda Pritchard made the plea ahead of the launch of a NHS England and Public Health England campaign on Monday intended to help doctors diagnose the disease sooner.
Campaign advertisements on television, online and on social media will feature people explaining that symptoms such as a prolonged stomach upset or persistent cough can be a sign of cancer.
NHS England said that tens of thousands of people may still be putting off seeking help because they do not want to add to the extra pressures on GP surgeries and hospitals that Covid has brought.
“We know that thousands of people could be risking their lives by delaying medical attention for cancer symptoms”, said Pritchard.
The initiative is the latest stage in a “help us, help you” campaign to persuade people who may be ill to seek medical advice in case they have a serious problem.
It is aimed at those who could have lung cancer, abdominal cancers – which include throat, bowel and stomach cancers – and also urological cancers, which affect the kidneys, prostate and bladder.
“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,” added Pritchard.
“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.”
Cancer experts have voiced concern that the widespread suspension of NHS cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment during the pandemic could lead to thousands more deaths.
NHS bosses are worried by survey results which show widespread ignorance of some cancer symptoms. Nearly two in three people (63%) did not recognise discomfort in the abdomen for three weeks or more as a possible sign of cancer, while two in five did not know that a cough that hangs around can indicate the presence of lung cancer.
Prof Peter Johnson, NHS England’s national clinical director for cancer, said: “Most symptoms will not be from cancer, but if they are, seeing someone quickly will give you the best chance of diagnosis at an earlier stage when cancers are easier to treat.”
