People across Rotherham are being urged to get any cancer symptoms checked and keep any routine appointments throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Councillor David Roche, Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, has been speaking on World Cancer Day (4th February) and is encouraging anyone with potential cancer symptoms to get in touch with their GP.
Cancer Research UK estimates that 350,000 fewer people than normal in the UK were sent on an urgent suspected cancer referral during April-August last year.
Cllr Roche said: “It is worrying to see that people across the country are putting off getting in touch with their GP when they find symptoms of cancer. Despite the pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic local doctors are still on hand to help with other health issues and I would urge anyone who suspects that they have symptoms of cancer to get in touch with their GP as soon as possible.
“If you or a loved one has an urgent appointment please don’t put it off, you are not a burden, the health service is there to care for you safely so please don’t delay getting checked out.”
NHS services have put a range of measures in place so that people can be treated safely throughout the pandemic including COVID protected cancer surgery hubs, a COVID friendly drugs fund which means fewer trips to hospital and chemotherapy being delivered in more convenient locations.
Symptoms of cancer can include:
- Changes in bowel habits, including blood in your stool
- Unexplained weight loss
- A lump
- Persistent bloating
- Pain that does not go away
More information can be found on the Cancer Research UK website at www.cancerresearchuk.org or on the World Cancer Day website at www.worldcancerday.org