People urged to get cancer symptoms checked by GP despite lock down
People in the West Midlands who suspect they may have cancer symptoms are being urged to seek help, despite the on-going Covid-19 pandemic.
Health bosses at NHS England and NHS Improvement in the Midlands are stressing the importance of having worrying signs checked out as soon as possible.
Latest figures have revealed a sharp drop in cancer referrals, as patients are not contacting their GP for health advice. Referrals from GPs were down by 73 per cent in the week ending April 19, compared with the week ending March 1.
Research by Portland has also found around a third of people would be worried about seeking out a medical opinion on their symptoms. Getting coronavirus, or giving it to their family, were among the top reasons that people would not come forward when they have cancer symptoms – along with fears that they could be a burden to the health service.
Bosses have now launched a major public information campaign, 'Help Us Help You', to encourage people to contact their GP if they are experiencing any signs of cancer.
Nigel Sturrock, medical director at NHS England and NHS Improvement in the Midlands, said: “NHS staff have made huge efforts to deal with coronavirus but they are also working hard to ensure that patients can safely access essential services such as cancer checks and urgent surgery.
“From online consultations to the roll-out of cancer treatment hubs, we are doing all we can to make sure patients receive the life-saving care that they need.
“The earlier a cancer is diagnosed, the more likely it is treatment will be successful and the higher the chance of survival.
"So even in these stressful times it is vital people do not delay seeking help with cancer symptoms.”
Rob Gornall, clinical director at West Midlands Cancer Alliance, added: “I would urge patients with symptoms that they are concerned could be related to early signs of cancer to seek medical help as early as possible.
"We are striving to provide safe environments for assessment and diagnostic checks and we are now approaching the capability to restore complex cancer treatments and expand our capacity to meet future demands.”
For more information about the signs and symptoms of cancer visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer/symptoms/
