Famous faces, including TV chefs Gordon Ramsay, Nadiya
Hussein, and actress Emma Thompson are backing a major new
campaign urging anyone concerned about cancer to get checked and
to keep routine appointments, as new research found that even
now, nearly half (48%) of the public would delay or not seek
medical help at all.
A fifth (22%) would not want to be a burden on the health
service while a similar number said that fear of getting
coronavirus or passing it onto others was a major reason for not
getting help.
More than four in ten people would leave it longer to get
health advice than they normally would have before the
coronavirus outbreak, however delaying can have serious
consequences for some cancers.
NHS staff have pulled out all the stops to keep cancer
services going throughout the pandemic, with almost one million
people referred for checks or starting treatment since the virus
took hold.
The NHS’s Help Us Help You access campaign will use TV
adverts, billboards and social media to urge people to speak to
their GP if they are worried about a symptom that could be
cancer, and also remind pregnant women to attend check-ups and
seek advice if they are worried about their baby.
People with mental health issues are also been encouraged
to access NHS support.
England’s top GP says that people should not hesitate to
get help and that waiting could have serious consequences for
patients.
Dr Nikki Kanani, GP and medical director for
primary care in England said: Alongside treating 110,000
people with coronavirus, NHS staff have gone to great lengths to
make sure that people who do not have Covid can safely access
services.
“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.”
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 include:
-
Changes in bowel habits, including blood in your
poo
-
Unexplained weight loss
-
A lump
-
Persistent bloating
-
Pain that does not go away
The cancer Help Us Help You advert which will start airing
on TV from tomorrow is available here
TV chef Gordon Ramsay said “As we head
into winter, it’s really important that we remember that despite
Covid-19, the NHS can still see us safely. I was really pleased
to help reassure the public and remind them that the NHS is here
for them when they need it.”
Lockdown heroes including 100 year old Dabirul Choudhury
with his Ramadan walk, Annemarie Plas who started Clap for
Carers, and Ayesha Pakravan-Ovey who delivered hundreds of meals
to those in isolation, will all join the NHS plea to say letting
the NHS help you is one of the best ways of supporting the health
service.
Dr Amir Khan said “Covid-19 has been
hugely challenging for everyone and while it’s easy to understand
why people are fearful about seeking medical advice and want to
avoid being a burden, it’s so important that people come to see
us when they need us. If you’re pregnant, please go to your
antenatal appointment and contact us if you’re worried about your
health or your baby’s health. And if you’ve spotted something you
think might be cancer, please contact your GP. We’re still here
and we can see you safely.”
