Elderly not seeking help for potential cancer symptoms

GPs say they are concerned that fewer older adults are contacting them with symptoms compared to before the pandemic.

According to new findings from Cancer Research UK, 53 per cent of GPs say they are concerned that 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 per cent), those whose first language is not English (35 per cent), people from poorer backgrounds (23 per cent), ethnic minorities (22 per cent) and those with existing health conditions (21 per cent).

Age is the biggest risk factor for cancer and every year more 36 per cent of all cancer cases in the UK are diagnosed in people aged 75 and over, so Cancer Research UK says that it is particularly concerning doctors are hearing less from this vulnerable group.

Diagnosing cancer at an early stage means it can be treated more easily and gives the best chance of survival. Coronavirus is making cancer diagnosis more challenging, and progress to see fewer patients diagnosed late is likely to be held up.

Richard Roope, Cancer Research UK’s GP advisor, said: “I’m really concerned that less of my older patients are contacting the surgery and it’s worrying that colleagues across the UK are reporting this too. GP surgeries and hospitals are changing the way they do things to help keep patients and staff safe and people should be reassured that it’s safe to visit them. The first contact is likely to be by phone, and where appropriate a face to face will follow.

“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. 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, although it might be frustrating, I would encourage you to keep trying.”