Cancer Research UK has launched a new ‘Spot Cancer Early’ campaign after a poll revealed that 40 per cent of people in Northern Ireland who experienced possible cancer symptoms during the pandemic did not contact their GP.
Launching today, the awareness campaign is part of a new early diagnosis drive aimed at the over 50s - urging them to contact their GP if they notice a change which is unusual for them or isn’t going away . Running throughout September and October, the campaign uses a powerful TV advert, that features a man who has unexplained weight loss and a cough that won’t go away.
The ad finishes with the charity’s vital message - 'Changes that are unusual for you, like unexplained weight loss or a persistent cough, could be signs of cancer. Finding it early saves lives'.
Read more: Three-year-old diagnosed with cancer after mum noticed bruise on neck
Speaking ahead of the campaign launch, Health Minister, Robin Swann said: "We know that early diagnosis is key to fighting cancer, however the pandemic has resulted in fewer people coming forward to their GP. Therefore, for anyone who has concerns about their health, or if you have noticed a change in your body that’s not normal for you, then contact your GP.
"Do not downplay symptoms or put off speaking to your GP. The earlier cancer is detected the quicker it is treated which can lead to better outcomes."
Cancer Research UK chief executive, Michelle Mitchell, said: "It’s important people in Northern Ireland know that their doctor wants to hear from them if they are experiencing any symptoms that are unusual or persistent for them. In most cases it won’t be cancer, but it’s best to get it checked out because diagnosing cancer at an earlier stage means treatment is more likely to be successful.
"We know it can sometimes be difficult to get an appointment with a GP, but it’s vital that people come forward so if they do have cancer, they can get their diagnosis and begin treatment as soon as possible."
The charity is urging all political parties in Northern Ireland to commit to investing to recruit and train more primary care staff, including GPs. The ‘Spot Cancer Early’ campaign follows a survey carried out in February 2022, which found the most common reasons for people in Northern Ireland not seeking help were:
· Difficulties in making an appointment (18%)
· Concerns about wasting a health professional’s time (16%)
· Worrying over putting extra strain on the NHS (13%) and
· Not wanting to be seen as someone who makes a fuss (12%)
Despite GP surgeries facing unprecedented workloads, Cancer Research UK is urging people not to delay contacting their doctor as early diagnosis can save lives. They say cancer doesn’t stop and while it may take longer than usual to get an appointment, it’s vital that people come forward as spotting cancer earlier means treatment is more likely to be successful.
Thyroid cancer survivor Susan Butler, from Dollingstown outside Lurgan, is supporting the campaign as she knows how important early diagnosis can be.
Susan, who was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in March 2021, is today in remission and enjoying life with her daughter Deborah, 45, son Matthew, 43, and her four grandchildren.
The 67-year-old said: "If you have a lump or any symptom that’s unusual for you, you have to go and get it checked out, don’t ignore it. Don’t be afraid because the doctors are wonderful. They treat you with dignity and I certainly couldn’t fault them. Not all lumps are dangerous, but you still need to get them checked. Talk to your GP and not yourself.
"I was rubbing cream on my neck when I felt a small lump but didn’t think anything of it. After a couple of weeks, it started to annoy me and my husband David who had had leukaemia 20 years earlier, said I should go and get it checked out. I’m not one to go to the doctor. I honestly didn’t think it would be anything. But when I got an appointment for the hospital just two weeks after seeing my GP and they did a biopsy, I started to think it could be serious."
Susan had an ultrasound and biopsy in Craigavon Area Hospital and then in late March 2021 her GP explained that she had cancer. Just three weeks later in April, Susan had surgery to remove the tumour followed by radioactive iodine treatment at Belfast City Hospital.
"I was upset. You fear the worst when you hear the word ‘cancer’. But I discovered that my thyroid cancer had been detected early and was curable. As a Christian, I believe God got me through my cancer journey, along with the prayers of my friends and church.
"I have nothing but praise for my GP. It happened during COVID but they dealt with me so quickly and my treatment was terrific. The message is simple - please don’t hesitate to contact your GP if you are worried – it could save your life."
Each year 9 in 10 of all cancer cases diagnosed in the UK are in people aged 50 and over and round 9,600 people in Northern Ireland are given the news that they have cancer. Cancer Research UK’s work into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer has been at the heart of progress that has seen survival in the UK double in the last 40 years.
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