Don’t delay seeking help, urge doctors

Leading doctors are warning people not to delay seeking medical help during the coronavirus lockdown.

The Royal College of GPs said it is important patients continue to seek help during the pandemic after concerns that, as a result of the measures, people are putting off seeking help for routine health problems.

They fear that, if patients have a medical problem, then a delay in seekinghelp could lead to more serious illness.

Experts from King's College London and Public Health England analysed data from 1.4million cancer patients in England who were diagnosed between 2011 and 2015.

The study, published in the British Journal of General Practice, found that cancer patients from the highest referring GP practices had a lower mortality rate.

Prof Martin Marshall, chairman of the Royal College of GPs, said: "We can't stress enough how important it is that patients who have concerns about their health, such as potential cancer symptoms, contact their GP practice during the C OVID -19 pandemic. "GP practices are open, albeit using different ways of working,withmost consultations being conducted by telephone or video. “This ensures patients continue to receive the care they need, while minimising spread of the virus. If we do need to see a patient face to face, this will be arranged, with every effort made to keep them as safe as possible.”

He added :" In many cases, the earlier the diagnosis the higher the chance of effective treatment and a favourable outcome."