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Many Britons are postponing checks for potential cancer symptomsA new survey indicates that, largely due to perceived difficulties in securing GP appointments and a tendency to underestimate the seriousness of their health concerns.
A cancer research uk 6,844 people were surveyed by YouGovrevealed that more than half (53 percent) had anticipated challenges in booking an appointment, while 47 percent had actually experienced them.
Additionally, 44 percent believed their symptom was not serious, while 43 percent chose to manage it on their own.
Further barriers include difficulty meeting a specific health care professional (43 percent) and reluctance to ‘make a fuss’ (40 percent).
About 37 percent thought their symptoms were related to an existing illness or life change, while the same proportion disliked remote appointments or had other concerns.
Steve Brown, 59, from London, Diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2012 at the age of 45.
Mr Brown, who lives with his wife and three grown children, had experienced intermittent bleeding and stomach pain for several months before his diagnosis.
He initially ignored his symptoms, as he had been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome several years earlier, but eventually went to his GP.
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He said: “We needed an incentive to get tested, and my wife was the one who sent me to the doctor after telling her all my symptoms.
“I was lucky because the cancer was caught early and it didn’t spread. I needed surgery but didn’t have chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
“I spent some time at home recovering from the surgery, my family supported me and began a phased return to my work as a surveyor just a few months later.
“If there’s one message I would like to share it would be that early diagnosis is very important. So if you notice something that isn’t right for you, make sure you talk to a health professional about it.”
To address these issues, Cancer Research UK trained Tesco pharmacists To help identify possible cancer symptoms.
These pharmacists can now offer personal consultations, provide guidance on next steps and assist patients in booking GP appointments when needed.
Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, said: “Almost one in two of us will be diagnosed with cancer in our lifetime.
“Catching cancer early can make a huge difference, so it’s incredibly important that people get the support they need when they notice something that’s not right for them.
“That’s why we’ve teamed up with Tesco, to make it easier for people to talk to a professional about any concerns they have and ultimately, help diagnose cancer earlier and save lives.”
Tom Lye, Tesco health and wellness category director, said: “We know what a disruption it can be to everyday life to get checked for health concerns.
“Customers can quickly and easily see a pharmacist at any one of over 350 Tesco pharmacies.
“Informed by their specialist Cancer Research UK training, pharmacists can have confidential conversations about any worrying symptoms which can help customers get an early cancer diagnosis.”
Professor Peter Johnson, NHS national clinical director for cancer, said: “The NHS is seeing and treating record numbers of people with cancer, with more people diagnosed at an earlier stage than ever before.
“I know it can be difficult to come forward for possible cancer screening but it could save your life.
“So, if you notice any unusual changes to your health or have any concerns about possible cancer symptoms, please contact your GP, pharmacist or another healthcare professional as soon as possible.”