Stay healthy in 2013
AXA PPP healthcare is asking people to take the time to think about what ‘normal’ feels like for their own body, and to seek medical advice if they think something is wrong, as its research finds that people could be missing out on vital early detection of cancer by delaying seeing their GP.
According to the ‘Cancer Consciousness’ poll the majority of Brits has direct experience of seeing loved ones deal with cancer, yet only 28 per cent said they would make an appointment to see their GP immediately if they noticed something unusual for their body that could be a symptom of cancer, such as a lump or a change in bowel habits.
AXA PPP healthcare chief medical officer Dr Gary Bolger said: “A key to the early detection of cancer is knowing what ‘normal’ feels like for your body so you are able to identify a significant change. We need to stop the idea that you have to be physically unwell to see your doctor for advice.
“It’s regrettable that too many people present themselves to their GP or even to A&E with cancer in its late stage. This makes the cancer harder to treat and treatment less successful. Overcoming people’s reluctance to seek medical advice when appropriate is a big public health issue. People who find signs or symptoms of cancer should not be afraid to see their doctor for advice straight away. It really is a case of the sooner the better.”
The research found that around one in 10 of those questioned had experienced potential signs or symptoms of cancer, from changes in bowel habits to blood in their urine, in the last six months. Yet fewer than half of people had seen their GP in each instance – with the exception of those reporting lumps in their breast, where two thirds of whom had visited their doctor. They cited difficulty in getting an appointment, being too busy or fear of what they may find out as reasons for the potential delay.
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