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NHS warning to seek help for cancer symptoms, as half of public report concerns with getting checked

England’s top cancer doctor has urged people not to hesitate to get checked as new research revealed that nearly half of the public have concerns about seeking help during the coronavirus pandemic.

One in 10 people would not contact their GP even if they had a lump or a new mole which did not go away after a week, the survey found.

Another third of people would worry about seeking help, according to polling carried out by Portland.

Getting coronavirus or giving it to their family were among the top reasons that people would not come forward when they have cancer symptoms along with fears that they could be a burden to the health service.

Professor Peter Johnson, the NHS national clinical director for cancer and a consultant at University Hospitals Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (UHS), stressed that NHS staff had worked hard to make sure people can get cancer checks and treatment safely so there is no need to delay.

Waiting to get help could have serious consequences for patients and put a greater burden on the NHS, Prof Johnson said.

Online consultations mean people do not necessarily need to go to GP surgeries for check-ups while COVID-free cancer hubs have been set up to provide surgery along with independent sector hospitals who have signed an unprecedented deal with the NHS.

There is a comprehensive network of virus free hubs across the South East including England’s first dedicated surgical cancer centre during Covid-19 at Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust at East Grinstead.

Professor Johnson said:

“NHS staff have made huge efforts to deal with coronavirus but they are also working hard to ensure that patients can safely access essential services such as cancer checks and urgent surgery.

“From online consultations to the roll-out of cancer treatment hubs we are doing all we can to make sure patients receive the life-saving care that they need.

“The wishes of patients and their families will always come first, and we have to make sure that people feel safe coming to hospitals, but my message is clear: people should seek help as they always would.

“We know that finding cancer early gives us the best chance to cure it, and ignoring potential problems can have serious consequences now or in the future.”

One example of innovation at Dr Johnson’s own trust is the use of video link allowing consultant oncologists to connect with the Isle of Wight’s cancer team without the need to travel from the mainland. The majority of oncology consultations at UHS are now done through video link.

Prof Johnson’s call follows sharp drop in cancer referrals as patients are not contacting their GP for health advice.

A major public information campaign launched last week to persuade people to contact their GP or 111 if they have urgent care needs and to attend hospital if they are told they should.

Cancers are detected earlier and lives are saved if more people are referred for investigation for checks.

A further innovation is online home based support for patients developed by CanRehab.

Professor Anna Campbell Professor Clinical Exercise Science and Director of CanRehab (which provides evidence-based training for health and fitness professionals to become cancer exercise specialists) said;

“During this difficult time, these home-based exercises – which have been designed for anyone affected by cancer – will help you stay active and provide physical and psychological benefits to help you cope.”

Sally Rickard, Director of Wessex Cancer Alliance said;

“We are delighted to be able to share these videos, from CanRehab and there will be more coming online in the next few days. Now, more than ever, it is really important to know that cancer services are still available for our patients to access and we want to support them, even if that means virtually, whilst they are staying at home. Wessex Cancer Alliance is working closely with several partner organisations, to develop additional online and telephone support during this period of social-isolation and will be sharing links to this information, very soon”.  

Natalie Haskell, CEO of Breast Cancer Charity CoppaFeel! said:

“We know despite coronavirus, breast cancer remains the most common cancer in the UK and many people will be worrying about changes to their breasts during this period. At CoppaFeel! we are dedicated to educating people about the importance of checking themselves and presenting early to the GP if they notice any unusual, persistent change. Breast cancer is very treatable if found early and we urge people to listen to the NHS and continue to seek out their GP as normal if they are concerned about symptoms.”

Jane Lyons, CEO of Cancer52 said:

“It’s so important that people who think they might have a cancer symptom get in touch with their GP, even during this challenging time. Putting off getting in touch won’t be helpful in the long run so please do take that first step. It is important to remember that most of the time symptoms that could be cancer don’t turn out to be cancer, and if they are, the sooner you get some help the better.”

*ENDS*

 

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