A THIRD of Brits put off getting potential cancer symptoms checked for six months or more, a disturbing poll found.
Around 350,000 new cases of cancer are diagnosed every year in England from more than three million tests.
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Medics want to catch more in the early stages but tens or even hundreds of thousands of people could be keeping quiet about red-flag symptoms.
A survey by Cancer Research UK found 32 per cent of people who noticed a possible sign of cancer did not seek medical help for at least half a year.
Four in 10 did not go to their GP – which the NHS advises as the first step.
It means tumours could be allowed to grow while patients dither over getting checked.
In most cases it won’t be cancer but, if it is, finding it early can make a real difference
Dr Neil Smith
NHS GP and Cancer Research spokesman Dr Neil Smith said: “This is very concerning.
“Trusting your instincts and getting checked promptly is crucial.
“If it is cancer, the longer you wait, the more chance it has to grow and spread.”
The charity surveyed 7,000 people across the UK.
Dr Smith said people hesitate to call their doctor out of fear for their health, of wasting the GP’s time or failing to get seen.
He added: “You know your body best, so talk to your doctor if something doesn’t look or feel quite right.
“Even if it’s challenging to get an appointment at first, keep trying.
“Your doctor will want to hear about your concerns and you won’t be wasting their time.
“In most cases it won’t be cancer but, if it is, finding it early can make a real difference.”
General symptoms of cancer can include feeling tired all the time, losing weight for no reason, aches and pains that don’t go away or a new lump on your body.
Breast cancer might cause changes to how your chest feels, lung cancer can trigger a lingering cough and bowel tumours might make your poo unusual.
NHS figures show fewer than half of us check our bodies monthly.
Catching cancer in the early stages is the key to curing it and survival rates are much better before a tumour has spread.
Professor Peter Johnson, cancer director at NHS England, said: “I encourage everyone to make checking your body for changes a part of your routine.
“If you do spot something worrying, get in touch with your GP surgery.
“It might just save your life.”
18 SYMPTOMS EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW
THE NHS has shared 18 red flag cancer symptoms to look out for, as research shows millions of Brits would not know them all and most of us do not check ourselves regularly.
- An unexplained lump anywhere on the body
- A mole that changes colour or shape, or starts itching, crusting, flaking or bleeding
- Blood in your poo – even if you notice it once
- Blood in your pee – even once
- Unexpected or unexplained bleeding e.g., blood when you cough, after sex, after the menopause or between periods.
- A cough that lasts three weeks or more or a change in an existing cough
- A sore or ulcer in the mouth that does not heal for three weeks or more
- Tummy trouble, such as discomfort or diarrhoea lasting three weeks or more
- Feeling tired and unwell and not sure why, for three weeks or more
- Heartburn or indigestion, that lasts three weeks or more
- Unusual, pale or greasy poo
- Unexplained pain or discomfort that lasts three weeks or more
- Being bloated most days, for three weeks or more
- Breathlessness
- Frequent infections
- Unexplained night sweats
- Unexplained weight loss
- Unexpected or unexplained bruising