A concerning number of people across the UK are putting off seeking medical help for potential cancer symptoms, with difficulties securing GP appointments being a major factor, a new nationwide survey has revealed.
Barriers to Seeking Help
Research commissioned by Cancer Research UK and conducted by YouGov polled 6,844 individuals. The findings paint a worrying picture: 53 per cent of respondents anticipated trouble booking a GP slot, and this fear was realised for 47 per cent who actually encountered issues. Furthermore, 44 per cent assumed their symptoms were not serious, while 43 per cent believed they could manage the concerns independently.
Megan Winter, health information manager at Cancer Research UK, stresses that these barriers must not prevent people from seeking professional advice. "Our message is that you need to get everything checked out if it’s not normal for you," says Ms Winter. "Listen to your body and if you notice something unusual that doesn’t feel right, talk to your doctor."
Eight Key Symptoms Requiring a GP Visit
In response to the survey's findings, Ms Winter outlines eight critical signs that should always be evaluated by a medical professional.
1. Unusual Lump or Swelling
Any unexplained lump or swelling anywhere on the body, particularly around the breast, under the arm, or up to the collarbone, warrants a check-up.
2. Unexplained Weight Loss or Tiredness
If you are losing weight without trying or experiencing persistent, unexplained fatigue, it is essential to speak with your doctor.
3. Unexplained Bruising
Bruising more easily without any apparent injury is another general symptom that should not be overlooked.
4. Change in Bowel Habits
This includes persistent constipation, going to the toilet more often, or noticing blood in your stool or urine. Unexplained vaginal bleeding between periods or after sex should also be flagged.
5. Breathlessness
Feeling short of breath during routine day-to-day activities, such as housework, for no clear reason is a sign that needs investigation.
6. Persistent Cough
A cough that hasn't cleared up after three weeks, has changed in nature, or is getting worse should be discussed with a GP.
7. Unexplained Pain
While aches are common with age, any new, unexplained, or persistent pain anywhere in the body could signal something more serious.
8. Skin Changes
Any change to a patch of skin, especially one that does not heal, should be examined by a doctor. Specific symptoms for melanoma can be found on the Cancer Research UK website.
Persistence is Key for Early Diagnosis
Ms Winter emphasises that your GP should always be the first point of contact for any health worries. She acknowledges the challenges in securing an appointment but urges the public to persist.
"There’s lots of different ways that you can contact your GP now, including over the phone, online, or by popping into your GP surgery," she notes. Crucially, she adds, "It’s not the public’s job to know what’s wrong with them, that’s what the doctor is there for, so you won’t be wasting their time."
The importance of early detection cannot be overstated. "Cancer that’s diagnosed at an early stage is more likely to be treated successfully," explains Ms Winter. "When a cancer is smaller and hasn’t spread, there’s more treatment options." She concludes with a powerful reminder: "In most cases, it’s not going to be cancer, but if it is, spotting it early makes all the difference."
