Four Symptoms GPs Want People To Get Checked Immediately
People who have noticed an unusual or persistent symptom like a lump, bleeding, weight loss or pain that can’t be explained during the pandemic are being urged to see their GPs.
It comes as a survey by Cancer Research UK found more than half (53%) of GPs say they are concerned fewer older adults are contacting them with symptoms compared to before the pandemic.
Other groups they were worried about hearing less from included patients with learning difficulties (40%), those whose first language is not English (35%), people from poorer backgrounds (23%), ethnic minorities (22%) and those with existing health conditions (21%).
Dr Richard Roope, Cancer Research UK’s GP advisor, said GP surgeries and hospitals are changing the way they do things to keep patients and staff safe – and people should be reassured it’s safe to visit them. The first contact is likely to be by phone, and where appropriate, a face-to-face appointment will follow.
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“If you’ve noticed an unusual or persistent symptom like a lump, bleeding, weight loss or pain you can’t explain, tell your doctor, we do want to hear from you,” said Dr Roope.
“In most cases it won’t be cancer, but if it is, catching it early gives the best chance of successful treatment. For those who’ve been unable to get through to your surgery, I would encourage you to keep trying.”
The findings come from a September survey of 1,000 UK GPs who were asked to compare their experience to before the pandemic.
While some progress has been made since the first monthly survey in June, with fewer GPs reporting reductions in the number of patients contacting them (62% in June compared to 29% in September), GPs are still concerned some groups may not be coming forward to get the help they need.
That’s not to say it’s easy...
