Third of people with cancer symptoms don’t contact GP, figures reveal
A HEALTH charity has teamed up with a national supermarket to encourage Rotherham residents to seek early help – after figures revealed a third of people with ‘red flag’ cancer symptoms don’t contact their GP.
Tesco pharmacists have been trained by Cancer Research UK and are available in-store – at Rotherham Extra on Drummond Street in the town centre and Rotherham Wath-upon-Dearne Extra on Biscay Way – to provide information and support to customers experiencing potential symptoms or who are concerned about cancer.
Findings from a Cancer-Research UK-funded YouGov survey of 6,844 people across the UK show around a third of people (32 percent) who noticed a potential ‘red flag’ cancer symptom did not contact their GP within six months.
Red flag symptoms include a change in the appearance of a mole, an unexplained lump or swelling, a sore that does not heal, blood in pee or poo, and persistent difficulty swallowing.
Difficulty getting a GP appointment, choosing to manage symptoms alone, or having too many other things to worry about were some of the reasons people gave for putting off discussing a health concern with a healthcare professional.
Michelle Mitchell, Cancer Research UK’s chief executive, said: “Nearly one in two of us will be diagnosed with cancer in our lifetime - that’s why it’s so important to spot cancer early, when treatment is more likely to be successful.
“Support is there for people who notice something that’s not right for them and we’ve partnered with Tesco to support early diagnosis of cancer.
“Through our partnership, it’s easier for people to talk to a professional about any concerns, which we hope will save lives.”