People in the North East and Yorkshire are being urged to contact their GP practice if something in their body doesn’t feel right.

The call by the region’s Medical Director for Primary Care, Dr Faisel Baig, comes as a national awareness-raising campaign reminds people who are experiencing potential signs of cancer to seek NHS support.

Dr Baig (pictured), who is also a GP in North Lincolnshire, said: “We know that many people worry about cancer, but sometimes put off getting checked because they hope the symptoms will go away or think they will get bad news. But finding cancer early makes it more treatable and can save lives.

“If you are worried about a symptom that could be cancer it’s important to contact your GP practice.

“To rule out cancer, your GP practice may refer you for tests. It may not turn out to be anything serious at all, but finding cancer early makes it more treatable and can save lives. Whatever the result, your NHS is here for you.”

For more information on cancer signs and symptoms go to nhs.uk/cancersymptoms

Using the slogan ‘Don’t carry the worry of cancer with you’, the relaunched Help Us Help You campaign also encourages family members and friends to encourage loved ones to contact their GP practice if they are worried about something in their body that could be cancer.​

Survey data shows that more than half (53%) of the public worry about cancer every few months or more, and two-thirds (66%) of people would speak to friends and family before anyone else if they were worried about cancer. The survey was conducted among 2,000 people in England.