NHS launches campaign to diagnose 100,000 more cancer cases early each year

A new NHS cancer campaign has urged anyone with concerning symptoms to make immediate contact with their GP, after many services were placed on standby during the pandemic.

 

Around 375,000 people are diagnosed with cancer each year in the UK, but only fifty per cent are caught in the early stages.

 

A recent poll of 2,000 people found that around two-fifths would ignore cancer symptoms including weight loss, unexplained pain and stomach trouble.  A third fear they would be wasting time when they go for a check-up and two-thirds saying dying of cancer was their biggest fear.

 

Launching the campaign for NHS England, Amanda Pritchard, NHS’ chief executive, said “NHS staff have pulled out all the stops to ensure cancer was prioritised throughout the pandemic, with over half a million people starting treatment over the last two years and record numbers of people now being referred for checks and tests.

 

“So, the NHS is here for you.  Don’t let cancer play on your mind – get checked without delay.”

 

Dr Ian Walker, Cancer Research UK’s director of policy, information and communication, said “Sometimes a little bit of concern or fear about our health can prompt us into action, but it’s vital that this fear doesn’t get to a level that stops us picking up the phone or walking into the surgery.

 

“We’ve spoken to a lot of people who’ve noticed changes to their health but weren’t sure what to do, or needed help with the next steps.

 

“We encourage anyone in this situation to get in touch with their GP practice.”

 

Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events.  Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.

 

If you believe that you or a relative may have been injured as a result of clinical/medical negligence, please call for free legal advice from our medical negligence solicitors on the freephone number below.

 

Posted by Tony May, Partner/head of Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

 

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