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Britons with cancer symptoms are being put off seeking help because of their difficulty securing a doctor’s appointment, a damning survey has revealed.
Cancer Research UK warned that the ‘worrying’ delays could damage chances of survival.
The charity acknowledged that seeing a GP was ‘not always easy’ but stressed that anyone who fears they may have the disease ‘should continue’.
Its poll, which surveyed 4,000 people, found that almost half (48 percent) of those who experienced a potential cancer symptom did not contact their doctor within six months.
Cancer Research UK warned that the ‘worrying’ delays could damage chances of survival. (Stock Image)
Even 47 percent of patients with “red flag” symptoms like an unexplained lump or coughing up blood waited at least that long.
One in five (20 per cent) respondents said a main reason they delayed contacting their GP was because they ‘find it difficult to get an appointment’, 13 per cent said they had difficulty getting one at an appropriate time, and 11 percent did not. wants to be seen as a troublemaker.
Similar numbers were worried about wasting their GP’s time (12 per cent), feared they would not be taken seriously (10 per cent) or had concerns about putting extra pressure on the NHS (10 per cent).
Dr. Richard Roope, a GP and primary adviser to Cancer Research UK, said: ‘I would encourage people to contact their surgery if they discover anything they are concerned about. It’s not always easy, but they should continue.’
Even 47 percent of patients with ‘red flag’ symptoms such as an unexplained lump or coughing up blood waited at least that long. (Stock Image)
The survey shows that people are generally good at knowing the signs of cancer – with respondents able to recognize an average of 12 out of 15 of the most common symptoms – but has raised concerns that some are turning down invitations to screenings because they mistakenly believe they are only for those with symptoms.
Professor Kamila Hawthorne, chair of the Royal College of GPs, said: ‘If people have signs that could be serious illness such as cancer, they should make an appointment without delay.’
An NHS England spokesman said: “While cancer survival is at an all-time high, it is still vital for people to come forward and be checked for symptoms – with GPs now able to refer people directly for tests.”