“Help us help you” – don’t let cancer play on your mind

NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin is encouraging people to ‘help us help you’ by approaching their GP with any worrying symptoms.

Healthcare leaders are hoping to address the barriers which prevent people coming forward early if they are worried about cancer. The hope is to encourage  those who have noticed something in their body that doesn’t feel right to contact their GP practice.

Recent survey data reveals that over half (53%) of the public worry about cancer every few months or more, while over 1 in 6 (17%) worry about cancer at least once a week. Two thirds (66%) would also speak to friends and family before anyone else if they were worried about cancer symptoms.

The most common reasons for waiting to book a GP appointment were not wanting to find out bad news and hoping the symptoms would go away on their own.

Dr Nick White, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin said: “When cancer is diagnosed early, treatment is more likely to be successful. We’re encouraging anyone who may think something is wrong to come forward and speak to their GP.

“A few simple tests later, and your doctor will be able to set your mind at rest or initiate treatment. It’s always better to know. Until you find out, you can’t rule it out. The earlier we catch cancer, the quicker we can treat.

“Let’s all encourage friends and family to not ignore symptoms like a cough for three weeks or more, chest pain, blood in wee, lumps, large moles or unexplained weight loss.”

You can read more about the signs and symptoms of cancer on the NHS website here. If you or a loved one are worried, book an appointment to see your GP.