Don’t let coronavirus stop you getting potential cancer symptoms checked out

When it comes to health, coronavirus has been at the front of everyone’s mind this year as the world has focused its attention on fighting the virus.

But as the pandemic continues it’s important that we still look after our general health and be vigilant for signs of anything that doesn’t seem right such as lumps, a persistent cough or unexplained weight loss.

The number of people seeking advice from their GP for worrying symptoms dropped dramatically during lockdown, with numbers of people in the area being referred to hospital for further checks dropping to just 70 per cent of the expected numbers before the pandemic.

The reasons for the drop in attendances are easy to understand – people have been concerned that by visiting their GP or hospitals they may be exposed to the virus and others have simply not wanted to bother medical professionals during the pandemic.

The NHS wants to reassure everyone that GPs and hospitals are open and operating as normal, albeit with extra precautions in place to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

Image: NHS

Dr Alison Wint, clinical lead for cancer & specialised commissioning at NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group said:

“Thankfully numbers have started to recover and we are seeing more people come forward to get their symptoms investigated. If you have worrying symptoms it’s best to get it checked out, in many cases it will be nothing serious but if there is something more it’s vital to get treatment early for the best outcome.”

Hospitals and GP practices have social distancing in place in all waiting rooms and patients are tested for Covid-19 and asked to isolate before surgery and investigations to ensure that the hospital is as safe as possible.

Dr Wint added: “I would advise everyone who has new persistent symptoms that are worrying you, particularly a swelling or abnormal bleeding, to please speak to your GP who would like to know about it.

“So whether you or a loved one has a routine appointment, or a potential cancer symptom, our message is clear – you are not a burden, we are here to safely care for you so please don’t delay – Help Us Help You and come forward as you usually would. Cancer is easier to treat when it’s caught at an earlier stage and so coming forward for a check could save your life.”

Symptoms of cancer include:

• Changes in bowel habits,
• Blood in your poo or pee
• Unexplained weight loss
• A lump
• Persistent bloating
• Pain that does not go away
• A persistent cough which lasts two to three weeks
• Coughing up blood

Image: NHS

Healthier Together Citizens’ Panel

The Healthier Together Citizens’ Panel is a public involvement initiative across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire made up of more than 1,000 people who form a representative cross-section of the region’s residents. It enables individuals to voice their views on health and care matters in their area, while helping to influence and shape the future of the area’s health and care services.

• 47 per cent would feel uneasy about using health services due to the risk of infection with Covid-19
• 28 per cent said they contacted their GP less since the outbreak of Covid-19
• People with a long-term conditions were almost twice as likely as those without a long-term condition to report not feeling confident that it would be safe to go back to seeing health professionals face-to-face
• For those people who hadn’t used or tried to use health care services recently, 12 per cent didn’t think their concern was important enough to speak to a health professional

Main image: NHS

Read more: In photos: Bristol’s NHS heroes