The new head of the NHS in England, Amanda Pritchard, is urging people not to ignore potential cancer symptoms such as persistent tummy pain or a cough that does not go away. She warns that thousands could be risking their lives by delaying seeking medical help, as cancers detected early can often be treated quickly and easily.
Research suggests three in five people do not want to bother the NHS, while others are unaware of common cancer symptoms. Ms Pritchard said cancer services were now 'running at full speed with new, innovative ways of working in place', but over the past year 10% fewer people than normal have started cancer treatment in England.
Experts believe abdominal cancers—throat, stomach, bowel, pancreatic, ovarian—and urological cancers—prostate, kidney and bladder—are the most likely to go unrecognised. They account for 44% of all cancer diagnoses and two in five deaths from cancer in England, NHS figures show. Anyone experiencing these symptoms for three weeks or more, or blood in urine at all, is advised to contact their GP.
Declan Goddard, a police officer and kidney cancer patient, said he had no symptoms but his cancer was picked up when he visited his GP with a minor bladder issue. He urged others to get checked, saying, 'If you do have something really quite minor that's bothering you, it's definitely worth getting it checked out.'
Prof Peter Johnson, national clinical director for cancer, said GPs could see patients face-to-face if needed, despite many consultations being by telephone. GP leaders noted that about 56% of appointments are in person and physical examinations will be facilitated if necessary.
Ms Pritchard emphasised: 'People should not feel like they cannot trouble the NHS, which is open and ready to treat people.' She highlighted new ways of working including 'mini cameras that patients can swallow to check for bowel cancer and Covid-friendly cancer drugs that patients can take at home'.
