Publish date: 24 August 2021
The head of Cheshire and Merseyside’s partnership organisation improving cancer care and treatments is encouraging people with potential cancer symptoms to have lifesaving checks.
Jon Hayes, Managing Director of Cheshire & Merseyside Cancer Alliance, is backing the new NHS campaign to urge people to come forward if they spot the signs of cancer.
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.
But the NHS England’s ‘Help Us, Help You’ campaign highlights that the NHS is open and ready to treat people – warning people that they need to have any symptoms checked out.
The Help Us Help You campaign is using 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 will feature people with a range of symptoms, such as prolonged discomfort in the tummy area or a persistent cough, and aim to persuade people experiencing these to contact their GP.
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.
However, there may be many people who are not coming forward, either because they are unaware of common cancer symptoms, or because they feel they would burden the NHS.
Jon Hayes said: “There could be hundreds of people across Cheshire and Merseyside who are potentially risking their lives by delaying seeking medical attention for cancer symptoms.
“The NHS is open and ready to help people and it is vital that people see a clinician early if they see the signs of cancer.
“I would urge anyone who is concerned about sudden changes to their body they cannot account for or if they find any bump or lumps which concern them, to contact their GP for advice.
“Most symptoms will not be from cancer, but if they are, seeing someone quickly will give you the best chance of diagnosis at an earlier stage when cancers are easier to treat.”
Despite abdominal and urological cancers accounting for nearly half (44%) of all cancer diagnoses and two in five (41%)[3] cancer deaths in England, 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 did not recognise discomfort in the abdominal area for three weeks or more as an indication of cancer.
Alongside abdominal and urological cancers, the NHS campaign will also highlight common signs of lung cancer – after research has found that two in five people do not recognise that a persistent cough for more than three weeks as a sign of the disease. There is also concern the symptom could easily be confused with COVID-19.
NHS chief executive, Amanda Pritchard, said: “Thanks to the hard work of NHS staff, we are back on track with 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 and come forward to get yourself checked – we would rather see you sooner when any cancer would be easier to treat.
“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.”
Dame Cally Palmer, Director of the NHS Cancer Programme, said: “Cancer diagnosis and treatment has been an absolute priority throughout the pandemic and continues to be so. Over the last few months we’ve seen record demand for cancer services and it’s encouraging that so many people came forward for potentially life-saving checks in June.
“We want to build on this success, and make sure that people who might be experiencing symptoms are not afraid or anxious about coming forward. Our message is clear – if you are experiencing any worrying symptoms, please see your GP.”
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
- Blood in your pee – even just once
People are being reminded to contact their GP if they have any of these symptoms. People 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
Professor Peter Johnson, National Clinical Director for Cancer, said: “It’s important to get checked as soon as possible if you notice something that isn’t normal for you.
“This is particularly important where symptoms are less obvious: some uncommon cancers can be hard to pin down, which can mean they take longer to diagnose and treatment time is lost.
“Thanks to the hard work of NHS staff, we are back on track with 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 and come forward to get yourself checked – we would rather see you sooner with a cancer that is easier to treat than later than a cancer that isn’t as easy to treat.”
For more information on the signs and symptoms of cancer, see: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer/symptoms/