On World Cancer Day, health professionals and faith leaders are coming together to emphasise the crucial importance of getting checked out by your GP if you notice anything in your body that could be a possible sign of cancer.
Scheduled for Tuesday 4th February, this year’s World Cancer Day aims to raise awareness about cancer prevention and mobilise action towards early detection. Alongside this, NHS England’s latest campaign encourages everyone to be aware of their bodies and to be able to spot potential cancer symptoms, which can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Anyone can get cancer, but finding it early makes it more treatable and could save your life. Checking your body regularly helps you to know what’s normal for you, and to notice anything that might seem different from usual. However, a recent survey by NHS England found that just over half (53%) of Black people regularly check for changes in their bodies.
Something that feels unusual, or a change in your health, could be a sign of cancer so we need to make checking our bodies part of our regular routine.
GP Dr Gabi Macaulay sees World Cancer Day as the perfect opportunity for everyone in the community to start taking control of their health:
‘Everyone’s body has a different ‘normal’, so knowing what your own body usually looks and feels like makes it much easier to spot any differences that might signal a problem. Cancer isn’t something that anyone wants to think about, but if you don’t already check your body on a regular basis, it’s time to start.’
There are many different possible symptoms of cancer, including having tummy trouble – like diarrhoea or discomfort in that area – for more than three weeks, or blood in your urine, even just once. Unexpected weight loss or a cough for three weeks or more could also be a possible sign that needs investigating. The first step should always be to contact your GP to get checked out, but we often put off making an appointment and just hope the symptoms will go away.
The survey found that almost two thirds of Black people (65%) would not contact their GP about heartburn or indigestion for three weeks or more, and three quarters (74%) would not contact their GP if they had unexplained night sweats – despite both of these being potential signs of cancer. Just over 1 in 5 would put off making an appointment because they would feel embarrassed about it and almost half (49%) would want to be sure it was serious before contacting their GP.
Dr Macaulay explains how vital it is to act quickly if you spot anything that could be a sign of cancer:
‘I can’t stress enough the importance of contacting your GP straight away if you notice anything in your body that isn’t usual for you. Whatever your symptom, your GP will have seen it before and there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. If your GP suspects cancer they will refer you for tests – in most cases it isn’t anything serious, but if you are diagnosed with cancer, the earlier the better.’
Over half of Black survey respondents (51%) also said that family was one of the most important things in their life and almost a quarter (24%) would worry about the possible impact on their family if they got bad news about their health.
Bishop Mark Nicholson is clear that checking for cancer symptoms goes hand in hand with family and faith:
‘Ensuring that we are taking care of our bodies is part of our commitment to God to cherish everything we have been given. Checking ourselves regularly and seeing a GP for anything we may be worried about is part of leading a positive life. It gives us the best chance of being with our families and fulfilling our faith for a long time to come.’
While a third (33%) of Black people say that they often put off a visit to the GP because they are afraid of the potential diagnosis, an overwhelming 9 in 10 (89%) felt a sense of relief after the last time they had a health issue checked with their GP.
Max Hermanstein, 68, an Elder at a London church, had prostate cancer but is now in remission. He urges others to make an appointment with their GP immediately if they notice anything in their body that feels unusual.
‘From my personal experience, I know how important it is to get checked if you notice any changes in your body. Being in remission I still have regular check-ups with my GP surgery and hospital. I feel so relieved that I took the right steps to take control of my health and to give myself the best chance for the future.’
This World Cancer Day, let’s all put our health first and get checked.
If something in your body doesn’t feel right, contact your GP practice. If your GP suspects cancer they’ll refer you for further tests. It’s probably nothing serious, but finding cancer early makes it more treatable and can save lives.
For more information on cancer signs and symptoms go to nhs.uk/cancersymptoms
