The doctor needs to see you NOW

Punteha van Terheyden shines a light on red flag symptoms too many of us often ignore

With doctor’s surgeries busier than ever, it’s natural to put off an appointment for symptoms you could ignore. But worrying new statistics reveal we are pushing aside red flags about potentially dangerous conditions because we’re being “too British” and don’t want to cause a fuss. And 32 per cent are ignoring symptoms entirely.

NHS GP Dr Chintal Patel says: “More patients are putting things off, thinking we’re too busy, or assume their symptom isn’t serious without asking an expert.

“I’m seeing patients delaying contacting us because they don’t want to bother doctors or they were scared of coming in because of Covid. But the earlier you seek help, the better.”

So which things should set alarm bells ringing and how long should you wait before seeking medical help?

Breast changes

One woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every 10 minutes in the UK and early detection is vital.

Dr Chintal says: “Most people who come to see us won’t have breast cancer, but conducting a proper breast exam every month is key to noticing what’s not normal for your body.”

Look out for breast, chest or armpit lumps (usually painless) and skin changes like dimpling, puckering or rashes. Any discharge or bleeding from the nipples, as well as retraction – the nipple going inwards – should be checked by a GP as soon as possible.

To do a thorough monthly self-examination, check your breasts, the area up to the top of your collarbones, down to the top of your abdomen and into your armpits.

Dr Chintal says: “Every month, stand in front of a mirror, place your hands on your hips, and look at your breasts, nipples, chest and cleavage, as this can reveal abnormalities or changes.

“Then, use the pad of three fingers to feel the whole area for lumps. Repeat while laying down. If you notice anything unusual, call your

GP without delay. Breast changes will be seen as an appointment priority.”

To register for free monthly text reminders, visit coppafeel.org

Toilet troubles

One in 18 UK females and one in 15 men will be diagnosed with bowel cancer in their lifetime. But with early diagnosis, outcomes are usually bright.

If you have any persistent change in loo habits, including runnier stools, niggling abdominal pain, bloating brought on by eating, blood in your stools or painless bleeding, consult your GP. Shockingly, only 44 per cent of us would visit our GP if we noticed a change in bowel habits. Unintended weight loss, however slight, can indicate a blockage in the bowel. Yet only 28 per cent of us would see a GP for an unexplained drop in weight.

With any cancer, the earlier you catch it, the easier it is to treat, especially before it spreads to other organs. Don’t wait longer than three weeks to report toilet troubles.

Dr Chintal says: “People don’t make a habit of looking at their poo but it’s vital to do so. Don’t be embarrassed to seek help for any issues. We view all things toilet-related medically and the words that might make you cringe to say out loud are everyday language for us.”

Chest pain

Common symptoms of heart attack include chest pain and a tight, heavy or squeezing sensation across the chest. But it can also be subtle and is often dismissed as indigestion. During a heart attack you might experience radiating pain or discomfort into the left (or both) arms, back or jaw, along with feelings of anxiety and impending doom, dizziness and shortness of breath.

By comparison, with indigestion you won’t get the other symptoms and usually there will be a history of heartburn, or reflux with pain that comes on straight after eating.

Dr Chintal says: “Heart attacks can get progressively worse, or get a little better before persisting. If you suspect you’re having one then sit down, dial 999, try to relax and if you have aspirin at home, take 300mg.”

Opiate addiction

In the UK, GPs hand out 2,700 opiate prescriptions an hour, but it can take just 72 hours to become addicted to prescribed opiate painkillers like tramadol, codeine and morphine, while codeine can be bought in low doses over the counter.

It’s not always easy to tell when dependence sets in and in early stages it can be more behavioural than physical. Signs to watch out for in a loved one (or yourself ) include taking opiates “just in case”, even when not needed to treat pain, requesting repeat prescriptions earlier than they should and borrowing medication from others. Physical signs of withdrawal include anxiety, jittery limbs, sleep disturbance, diarrhoea and nausea when you stop taking them.

Dr Chintal advises: “Seek help as soon as possible if you notice any signs of addiction or withdrawal. Doctors won’t judge you.

“Our role is to help so if you are experiencing withdrawal, we can taper your doses in the best possible way and, if needed, refer you to places and services that can help.”

‘‘ Words that might make you cringe are everyday language to us doctors

Lung problems

Any cough that lasts for three weeks or more should be checked out by your GP.

Common symptoms Brits ignore include coughing up blood or phlegm, persistent chest infections, shortness of breath or chest pain.

Sometimes, lung cancer symptoms come hand in hand with fatigue and weight loss.

Dr Chintal adds: “Consider your underlying risk factor for lung cancer, including any history of the disease in your family or being a smoker.

“The older you are, the higher the risk, too.”