Cancer fear warning to over-50s

PATIENTS have been urged to raise any possible signs of cancer with their GP after a study found over-50s were less likely to seek help during the pandemic’s first wave.

Research involving 124,000 patients aged 50-plus discovered just 11 per cent discussed possible symptoms with their GP between April and July last year, down from 17 per cent in the same period in 2019.

The decrease was greater for common symptoms which rarely indicate cancer, but was also significant for more serious “alarm” symptoms.

The proportion who had a consultation for any reason also fell year-on-year from 56 to 45 per cent.

Chris Salisbury, a GP and professor of primary care at the University of Bristol, said: “It is really important that during the pandemic, patients should continue contacting their doctor with any persistent problems that could be a sign of cancer.

“Although many of these symptoms won’t in fact be due to cancer, it is important not to ignore anything you are concerned about.”

The research was published in the journal BMJ Open.