Most of us know that the earlier cancer is treated, the better the outcome. But research shows even if we do feel something's not right, we don't rush to the doctor.
Nearly six in 10 of us say a cancer diagnosis is our biggest health fear, greater than other illnesses including heart disease and Covid.
However, the latest studies have found that 42 percent ignore symptoms, wait to see if anything changes, look for answers online or speak to family and friends before seeing their GP.
Covid and the lack of GP availability during the height of the crisis have only added to people’s reluctance to seek help. But your doctor really does want to see you, says GP and TV doctor Nighat Arif. "If you’re worried something in your body doesn’t feel right or if you’ve been experiencing symptoms that last three weeks or more, don’t let the thought of cancer play on your mind," she says. "Sometimes people put things off, thinking cancer is something that happens to other people.
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