TV presenter and in-recovery cancer patient Julia Bradbury has joined forces with NHS clinicians and others to encourage people to come forward with symptoms they’re concerned about. 

The plea comes as today marks World Cancer Day.

Despite a record number of people across the South East of England coming forward for cancer tests towards the end of last year, with referrals in November being higher than previous years, the NHS is urging others to come forward so that they are not struggling in silence.

GPs, community pharmacies, hospitals and mental health teams continue to be there for those who need care urgently, including those with suspected cancer, so people should continue to come forward if they need help now. 

Professor Peter Johnson, NHS national clinical director for cancer and a consultant at University Hospitals Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It’s fantastic news that more people are coming forward for life saving cancer checks but we know some people are still reluctant to seek help.

“Only you know what is normal for your body and if something doesn’t feel right, it’s best to seek advice. It’s unlikely to be cancer but if it is, finding it early will give you the best chance of having treatment and potentially curing it.”

TV Presenter Julia Bradbury is also encouraging people to get checked and said: “I was diagnosed with breast cancer and I recently had a mastectomy, so I know exactly how frightening and scary it is coming across the symptoms, waiting for the diagnosis, treatment and learning about your health outcomes.

She added: “You know your body best so please get yourself checked. It might not be cancer but if it is and you’re diagnosed early, that can make a huge difference. I know I’m certainly glad that I had myself checked when I did.”

It’s incredibly important that people recognise the common symptoms that can signal a cancer diagnosis – and it’s vital that they take action by making an appointment with their GP, that could ultimately save their life

James Chadwick, from Surrey, was 26 when he was diagnosed with lymphoma on Christmas Eve 2020, two days before the country went into lockdown. His first symptom was a lump on his neck, and he heard on New Year’s Eve that he would be starting his chemotherapy treatment in January.

James is encouraging others to seek help if they’re concerned. He said: “Go and get checked out if you’re worried. Don’t ever feel like you’re hassling the doctor.  

“Since I’ve spoken about my cancer battle, I’ve had friends, family, colleagues and even strangers tell me they’ve been checked out after initially putting it off.” 

Following his treatment, James has now ‘rung the bell’ and been declared cancer free and is incredibly grateful to the NHS and in particular the staff at Teenagers & Young Adults’ Cancer ward at Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust.

In the South East, the NHS has continued to deliver innovation across cancer care during the pandemic. This includes a cervical cancer patient in Surrey who was treated with the aid of artificial intelligence (AI) for the first time in the UK , the rolling out of a revolutionary new blood test trial across Kent and Medway which can detect cancer before symptoms even appear and a new targeted lung health check pilot in Wessex to improve detection of early-stage lung cancer.