Doctors urge us to get possible cancer symptoms checked out
A Cancer Research UK study has found more than 40% of people surveyed have put off speaking to a doctor about a potential symptom
A leading cancer doctor is urging us to seek medical advice if we have a possible symptom of cancer.
Helen Winter, from SWAG Cancer Alliance, which covers the Somerset, Wiltshire, Avon and Gloucestershire region, says it's critical people follow up on concerns, as it can make all the difference.
It's after a new study by Cancer Research UK found over half of people avoided making an appointment about their health worries because they believed it would be too difficult to get an appointment (53%).
47% said they had found it hard to get an appointment, while 44% revealed they felt the symptom wasn't anything serious and 43% felt they could manage the symptom themselves.
Helen told us it worries her that people might be missing a chance to catch a cancer early.
"It is sometimes challenging to make that appointment and actually say the words that you're worried about something. But we are here to listen to you, and if you are worried and that you may have some concerning symptoms, we want to hear that because there is always something that we can do," she said.
She insists that healthcare professionals are dedicated to making people's lives better and improving their health.
The Cancer Research UK survey found 4 in 10 people said they did not want to be seen as making a fuss, but Helen stressed that won't be the case. She said: "Sometimes people will say I don't want to bother you, and I say this is my job. This is what we are here to do. We are here to listen and we are to here to work through what your worries and concerns are so please seek help."
"Lets find it early"
Finding a cancer early greatly improves the chances of survival, Helen told us, adding that's the reason why staging has been introduced, meaning cancers can be picked up before symptoms arise.
Another method for doctors to find cancers early is through screening tests.
"For those people who get an invitation for screening, whether that's bowel screening, breast screening, cervical cancer screening or lung cancer screening, which is a new a new initiative, we really urge you to keep that appointment," Helen said. "For many people, they will not have a diagnosis of cancer, but we need to let them come to those appointments and hopefully discuss any concerns that they might have."
Anyone who has found a new lump, blood in their urine or stool, has a persistent cough, significant weight loss, or just isn't feeling quite right, is encouraged to get in touch with doctors.
"The earlier we pick that up, the more chance of cure, and better out better outcomes for patients and their families. So please do get in touch. I don't think I can stress that enough. We are here to listen and we are here to work with you," Helen said.