Cancer experts urge people across Dorset to 'know the signs'
We're told to get any concerns checked by our GP
Cancer experts are urging people across Dorset to know the signs of the disease, with the hope that more people can receive an early diagnosis and more effective treatment.
Wessex Cancer Alliance has launched its campaign and is encouraging anyone with early symptoms to visit their doctor as it gives a better chance of survival.
GP Nicola Robinson told Greatest Hits Radio it's crucial people act on possible early signs.
She said: "We know that the number of patients with cancer out there is growing and in our lifetime, one in two of us will develop cancer. So that is 50% of the population. We know that the outcomes for cancer are much better the earlier you are diagnosed.
"The sooner you're picked up and seen by secondary care, we can investigate it quicker. We can then get on and have curative treatment and over half the population. If you do have cancer, are living beyond ten years."
Dr Robinson told us that the likelihood of cancer increases with age, but we can minimise the risk by leading a healthier lifestyle, including not smoking and getting enough exercise.
She added that we should get anything that could be an indicator of cancer checked out quickly.
Dr Robinson said: "If something doesn't look right. You've got something new and you lump bump, it changes, there's discomfort, appearance, anything that doesn't look right, go and get it checked over."
Things to look out for
Symptoms can include a new lump or bump, a skin lesion beginning to itch or bleed, repeated urine infections or bleeding when we go to the toilet.
"Those might be very early signs that you've got cancer," Dr Robinson said, adding: "But there may be other reasons for it, so actually going and seeing a healthcare professional does not mean that it is all doom and gloom and you've got cancer.
"You need it checking out and that's the role of primary care to help navigate, where do you need to go? Can we manage you in primary care or do we need to talk to our specialist and get you looked at a bit further?"
She added that the NHS is here to 'help us get the best care', insisting that going to a doctor earlier will lead to a better outcome.