"Check your symptoms and help us help you"

‘Check your symptoms and help us help you’

Health professionals are urging people in Wales to contact their GPs for help and advice if they have any symptoms they are worried about.

The Wales Cancer Network, part of the NHS in Wales, has teamed up with health boards, the Welsh Government and the Wales Cancer Alliance, to encourage people to come forward with concerning symptoms and to continue to attend appointments.

Minister for Health and Social Services, Vaughan Gething said: “Essential services, such as cancer investigation and treatment, have not stopped due to the pandemic. Although some services have been interrupted, it is as vital as ever that people with symptoms of cancer come forward and that people who are being treated for cancer attend their appointments. I would also encourage people to attend for their screening appointments when invited. I know this is a worrying time for people but please seek help when needed.”

Dr Mary Craig, Macmillan GP for Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, said that people shouldn’t worry that they will be bothering their GP or putting an extra burden on the NHS.

She said: “Fewer people are presenting during COVID-19 with symptoms of cancer. I understand their concern but I want to reassure them that if they have any symptoms that they are worried about, then we want to hear from them and it’s really important that they get in touch.

“Just phone your GP. There’s a lot that we can do over the phone and many GPs can provide consultations and assessments over video call as well. If people need to come in for further tests, then they can be sure that surgery and hospital staff are working really hard to keep them protected.”

Clinicians stress that only a small percentage of people who present with symptoms turn out to have cancer, but that the earlier people get advice, the earlier they can put their minds at rest or get the support and treatment that they need.

Health boards across Wales have worked hard to make cancer services as safe as possible. New infection prevention and control arrangements have been put in place in practices, hospitals and screening venues to minimise the risk to people attending their appointments, such as COVID protected areas.

Professor Tom Crosby OBE, National Cancer Clinical Director for Wales said: “Cancer services have adapted their diagnostic and treatment processes so while they might look different, they are up and running and fully prepared to support people with any signs or symptoms of cancer.

“Given these changes to how we run services, it is more important than ever that anyone who is referred for tests or treatment keeps their appointment. This will ensure that we can make best use of our resources, but most importantly, the earlier we can make a diagnosis, the quicker people can get the support they need.”

Richard Pugh, chair of the Wales Cancer Alliance said: “As organisations that support people living with cancer and their families, our message, as always, is that no-one should delay seeking advice if they have any symptoms they are worried about. This is even more important now as we know that many people have put off speaking to their GP during the pandemic.”