Cancer patients 'delay seeing GP'

Early detection can boost the chances of beating the disease

Many people with bowel cancer wait months before being checked out by doctors, a survey suggests.

A poll of 150 patients by Colon Cancer Concern found 17% waited as long as six months before going to their GP.

The survey found 20% of patients did not know or were unsure what the symptoms of bowel cancer are.

The findings were published to mark the start of Bowel Cancer Awareness month. Over 35,000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer in the UK each year.

Symptoms unnoticed

It is the UK's third most common cancer, claiming the lives of 16,000 people

The disease can be treated if detected early. However, many people fail to recognise the symptoms until it is too late.

Possible signs of bowel cancer Rectal bleeding A change in bowel habit A feeling that you need to empty your bowel after just going to the toilet Abdominal pain

Possible signs of bowel cancer include rectal bleeding, a change in bowel habit, a feeling that you need to empty your bowel after just going to the toilet or abdominal pain.

However, they could also be a sign of something far less serious. Nevertheless, doctors urge people to get checked out if they have concerned.

This latest survey found just 28% of patients sought medical advice within a month of possible symptoms.

Colon Cancer Concern is launching a campaign, funded by the National Lottery, to encourage people to seek medical advice earlier. It will target pubs, gyms, GP surgeries and workplaces.

"As our survey proves there is still considerable ignorance, fear and embarrassment surrounding bowel cancer, which is why our awareness campaign is so important," said Jola Gore-Booth, chief executive of Colon Cancer Concern.

"Beginning with Bowel Cancer Awareness month in April, we aim to reach over 17 million people in the UK during the course of the coming year, focusing on symptoms and prevention, on raising awareness and educating the public."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version