Worried about a symptom that could be cancer? Don't hesitate to get it checked out by your GP

If you are worried about a symptom, please do not to hesitate to get it checked out with your GP.
Get symptoms checked outGet symptoms checked out
Get symptoms checked out

New research has revealed that nearly half of the public have concerns about seeking help from the NHS during the coronavirus pandemic.

Finding cancer early offers the best chance to cure it, and ignoring potential problems can have serious consequences for people, that we just don’t want.

The NHS is working hard to manage coronavirus, but we’re also working hard to ensure patients can safely access essential services such as cancer checks, treatments and urgent surgery if needed.

Patient Angela from HeathfieldPatient Angela from Heathfield
Patient Angela from Heathfield

If you have any of the following symptoms, and they’re not going away, do contact your GP:

· Changes to the breast e.g. lumps, skin puckering

· Bleeding from the back passage/in stools, changes to normal bowel habits, abdominal/back passage pain

· Tiredness, unexplained weight loss

Patient Lesley Eggleston from HoramPatient Lesley Eggleston from Horam
Patient Lesley Eggleston from Horam

· For people with a prostate: needing to pass urine more often including during the night, difficulty passing urine (including a weaker flow), feeling the bladder can’t empty completely, urinary urgency

· Changes to a mole, freckle or a normal patch of skin

· For people with a cervix: unusual/unexplained vaginal bleeding, pain or discomfort during sex, vaginal discharge, pain in the area between the hip bones (pelvis)

· Persistent heart burn/indigestion

· Blood in urine

· Problems with swallowing, hoarse voice

· Unexplained lumps

· Non-healing sores or mouth ulcers

· Coughing up blood

This is not an exhaustive list, if you have other symptoms that are causing you worry or concern, please do contact your GP.

Dr Sarah Richards, GP at Buxted Surgery and Medical Director for Cancer for the Sussex Clinical Commissioning Groups said: ‘’I know it’s a strange and uncertain time for everyone.

‘‘However, I want to reassure people that the NHS is open and here for you if you need us. Both hospitals and GP surgeries have organised their services to provide you with safe care and to minimise the risk of coming into contact with coronavirus.

“If you have any symptoms that are worrying you, especially if you are concerned about cancer, please do not hesitate to contact your GP.

“Your GP practice will arrange either a phone or video consultation first where they can assess your symptoms, and if needed will arrange a visit to the surgery for an examination. If we need to refer a patient on to hospital for further investigation, we will do that. Please don’t ignore any worrying symptoms – we are still here to help.”

If you, or someone in your household, is currently shielding due to coronavirus, but you are worried about a symptom, please still contact your GP. They are able to arrange a consultation either over the phone or online first.

If further investigation is needed, your GP will be able to advise you on the safest and best course of action.

Don’t forget the NHS is still here for you when you need it. You can still:

· Contact your GP practice either by phone or online via the NHS app

· Contact NHS111 online or by phone if you need urgent medical help and advice

· Contact 999 or go to A&E if it’s serious or life-treatening

· Attend regular vaccination appointments – to prevent outbreaks of deadly serious diseases

· Attend your screening appointments when invited

If you or a member of your family is showing signs of coronavirus, please call NHS111 first to get advice.

If you have any stories about how you have continued using the NHS during this pandemic, we would love to hear from you. Please email [email protected].

“The staff will look after you and keep you safe”

Angela, a hospital patient from Heathfield, said: ‘‘About six weeks ago I didn’t feel well. I suspected that Non-Hodgkin lymphoma had returned, so I went to see my GP in spite of the fact I knew we were in the middle of the coronavirus.

“She examined me and referred me to the hospital, where I am now having treatment. It is a very safe place; every consideration is given to the patients, patient safety and the members of staff’s safety as well.

“I can only urge you, if you think you have a problem, please, please don’t wait, go and see your GP.”

Another patient, Lesley Eggleston from Horam, added: “Coronavirus is very scary. Having a health worry during lockdown is also frightening. I have had a problem with my health, but decided I needed to see someone despite coronavirus.

“Coming to the hospital has been really reassuring - it hasn’t added to my worries as I thought it might. There are safe systems and restricted zones in place which have allowed me to relax and get the treatment I needed.

“Other health issues are still happening during coronavirus. They can have lifelong or even life-threatening effects, just like coronavirus. Please don’t put off seeing your doctors or seeking help and advice. Staff will look after you and keep you safe, just as I have been.”