HEALTH bosses are urging people to contact their GP if they have symptoms they are concerned about – and not to delay.
They are urging people not to hesitate to get checked out as new research shows nearly half of the public have concerns about seeking help during the coronavirus pandemic.
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, the survey found.
Another third of people 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.
Dr Carl Ellson, GP and cancer lead for NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Clinical Commissioning Group said:
“There is no reason to delay getting cancer checks so we can ensure people get treatment quickly and safely.
“Waiting to get help could have serious consequences for patients and put a greater burden on the NHS.
“NHS staff have made huge efforts to deal with coronavirus but they are also working hard to ensure 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 and people should seek help as they always would.”
Cancers are detected earlier and lives are saved if more people are referred for checks.
Jo Clutterbuck, cancer services manager at Wye Valley NHS Trust, said: “We know that people are worried about the risk of infection from coronavirus and the pressure the NHS is already under.
“We urge you not to put it off, and don’t think you’re not a priority during coronavirus. Safeguard your own health and contact your GP if you have symptoms that you are concerned about.”
