People in the east of England with potential cancer symptoms are being encouraged to come forward lifesaving checks as part of an NHS campaign.

NHS England chief executive, Amanda Pritchard, launched the campaign to highlight symptoms of abdominal and urological cancers this week, saying that the NHS is open and ready to treat people.

The ‘Help Us, Help You’ campaign from NHS England, with support from Public Health England, uses TV and digital adverts, posters and social media to raise awareness of symptoms of cancers in the abdominal area, urological cancers, and lung cancer.

The ads feature people with a range of symptoms, such as prolonged discomfort in the tummy area or a persistent cough, and aims to persuade people experiencing these to contact their GP.

NHS data shows that more than 16,800^[1] people in the east are diagnosed with abdominal or urological cancers each year. However, research shows that three in five people (60%) are concerned about burdening the NHS, with half (49%) saying they would delay seeking medical advice compared to before the pandemic.^[2]

The NHS chief stressed that there could be tens of thousands more people who are not coming forward, either because they’re unaware of common cancer symptoms, or because they feel they would burden the NHS.

Dr Sean O’Kelly, Medical Director and Chief Clinical Information Officer for NHS England and NHS Improvement East of England, said: “People could be risking their lives by delaying medical attention for cancer symptoms and I want to reassure the community we are open and ready to treat people.

“NHS staff are working hard on cancer referrals, diagnosis and treatment so, whether you or a loved one has a routine appointment, or a potential cancer symptom, please don’t delay. Come forward to get yourself checked – we would rather see you sooner when any cancer would be easier to treat. If you notice any worrying symptoms it’s vital that you take action and make an appointment with your GP; it could ultimately save your life.”

Despite abdominal and urological cancers accounting for around 6,700^[3] cancer deaths a year in the east, new figures from the NHS show that many people are unaware of common warning signs – which could prevent them seeking help.

Three in five (63%) people said they didn’t know discomfort in the abdominal area for three weeks or more could be an indication of cancer.

The campaign will also highlight common signs of lung cancer – after research has found that two in five people don’t recognise that a persistent cough for more than three weeks could be a sign of the disease. There is also concern the symptom could easily be confused with Covid-19.

Symptoms that could be possible signs of abdominal or urological cancers include:

• Discomfort in the tummy area for three weeks or more
• Diarrhoea for three weeks or more
• Persistent constipation
• Blood in your pee – even just once
• Continuous nausea/feeling sick.

People in the east of England are being reminded to contact their GP if they have any of these symptoms. They should also speak to their GP if they notice any other unusual changes, such as a lump in the tummy area, post-menopausal bleeding, or unexplained weight loss, as these can also be signs of cancer.

For lung cancer, symptoms can include:

• A cough for three weeks or more that isn’t Covid
• Chest infections that keep coming back
• Coughing up blood

Around a quarter of a million people were checked for cancer in June, the second highest number on record, and treatment numbers have been back at usual levels since March. More than 27,000 people started treatment for cancer in June, a 42% increase on the same time last year.

[1] Total number of abdominal or urological cancer diagnoses in 2018 in the east of England: 16,833 Data Source Cases: tumour table (at_tumour) Cancer Analysis System, 20/07/2021

[2] Respondents were interviewed on the Kantar omnibus 30th June to 2nd July. The omnibus surveys a representative sample of the population aged 16+. The questions were asked in England among a total sample of 2,002

[3] Total number of abdominal or urological cancer deaths registered in 2018 in the east of England: 6710 Data Source Deaths: Cancer Stats, 21/07/2021

Cancers in the Abdominal area and Urological Cancers data (Government Office Region)

• Regional incidence and mortality data supplied by Public Health England, based on the National Cancer Registration Service dataset
• Cancers in the abdominal area include: oesophageal, stomach, bowel (colorectal), pancreatic, ovarian, and uterine (C54, C55). Urological cancers include prostate, kidney and bladder
• Please note:
  • Total number of diagnoses of cancers in the abdominal area or urological cancers registered in 2018 is the number of people who were diagnosed with any of the above cancers each government office region (GOR) in England in 2018
  • Total number of deaths of cancers in the abdominal area or urological cancers registered in 2018 is the number of people who died from any of the above cancers in each government office region (GOR) in England in 2018.