Health bosses outline potential cancer symptoms in new campaign

It highlights the symptoms of lung, abdominal and urological cancers.

People with potential cancer symptoms are being encouraged to come forward for lifesaving checks as part of a national NHS campaign, backed by the NHS in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR).

Anyone who has had a persistent cough, or tummy troubles such as discomfort or diarrhoea for three weeks or more, or seen blood in their pee - even just once - should contact their GP practice. It could be a sign of lung, abdominal and urological cancers.

NHS data shows that more than three thousand people in LLR were diagnosed with lung, abdominal or urological cancers in 2018. But research shows that three in five people (60%) are concerned about burdening the NHS, with half (49%) saying they would delay seeking medical advice compared to before the pandemic.

Dr Paul Danaher, lead GP for cancer in Leicester, said: “We know that thousands of people could be risking their lives by delaying medical attention for cancer symptoms. 

“We are open and ready to treat people with potential cancer symptoms. This campaign will remind people of the signs and symptoms to look out for and encourage them to get checked if something isn’t quite right. 

"The good news is that cancer survival is improving and has doubled in the last 40 years in the UK, but it’s easier to treat if it’s diagnosed at an early stage. In the East Midlands in 2018, fewer than three in ten (30%) cancers of the lung, stomach, pancreas and oesophagus were diagnosed early, at stage 1 or 2.

"That’s why this campaign is so important.”

Despite these three cancers accounting for 1,612 cancer deaths in LLR in 2018, new figures from the NHS show that many people are unaware of common warning signs – which could prevent them seeking help. 

Three in five (63%) people said they didn’t recognise discomfort in the abdominal area for three weeks or more as an indication of cancer. Two infive people don’t recognise that a persistent cough for more than three weeks can be a sign of lung cancer and there is also concern the symptom could easily be confused with Covid-19.