Half of public report concerns with cancer symptoms

The NHS clinical director for cancer has urged people not to hesitate to get checked as new research revealed that nearly half of the public have concerns about seeking help during the coronavirus pandemic.

A survey found that one in 10 people would not contact their GP even if they had a lump or a new mole which did not go away after a week, whilst the polling carried out by Portland also found that a further third would worry about seeking help.

Getting coronavirus or giving it to their family were among the top reasons that people would not come forward when they have cancer symptoms along with fears that they could be a burden to the health service. However, waiting to get help could have serious consequences for patients and put a greater burden on the NHS.

Professor Peter Johnson, NHS national clinical director for cancer, said: “NHS staff have made huge efforts to deal with coronavirus but they are also working hard to ensure that patients can safely access essential services such as cancer checks and urgent surgery. From online consultations to the roll-out of cancer treatment hubs we are doing all we can to make sure patients receive the life-saving care that they need.

“The wishes of patients and their families will always come first, and we have to make sure that people feel safe coming to hospitals, but my message is clear: people should seek help as they always would. We know that finding cancer early gives us the best chance to cure it, and ignoring potential problems can have serious consequences now or in the future.”