Sussex Doctor urges people not to hesitate getting cancer symptoms checked
Dr David Bloomfield says we all need to be "bodily aware" after the death of Sarah Harding
Do not hesitate in getting your symptoms checked.
That's the message from Dr David Bloomfield, a Consultant Oncologist and Chairman of the Sussex Cancer Fund following the death of Girls Aloud star Sarah Harding on Sunday (5 September).
The 39-year-old died following her battle with breast cancer, which she announced back in August last year.
"Be aware of what's normal. If something unusual is happening for more than two weeks then seek some advice"
Dr Bloomfield says it's not necessarily about constantly checking yourself for symptoms though.
He said: "I think it's a question of being aware, not formally checking but just being bodily aware and not being afraid to examine yourself. It applies to all cancers, know your body, in breast cancer in particular be aware in change in size or feel or texture.
In her autobiography, Hear Me Out, Sarah revealed she had initially put off getting medical advice when she found lumps under her arm in late 2019.
Dr Bloomfield continued: "The NHS is fully open for all cancer patients and always has been. So if you're concerned about a caner diagnosis or getting a lump checked out, put yourself forward, there are fast track referrals from GPs into hospitals.
"Be aware of what's normal. If something unusual is happening for more than two weeks then seek some advice. In particular with breast cancer, if you notice lumps or bumps on the breast or under the arm, any change in the nipple, any discharge, any rashes or change in the skin then your GP can fast track you".
The Sussex Cancer Fund supports people living with cancer in a range of ways from getting them a parking spot when they go to the cancer centre to funding a medical acupuncture service and massage therapy.