NHS England and NHS Improvement has launched a new campaign taking a radically different approach to detecting cancer early for patients when it is easier to treat. The campaign is the first to focus on tackling the fear of cancer rather than specific symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The key message is that if you think something is wrong it is always better to get checked out to put your mind at rest, or to get treatment that increases your chances of a good outcome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As part of the campaign there is a powerful film that features cancer survivors and those who have been referred for testing. It highlights their personal experiences of how the NHS has helped them in their journey and focuses the importance of visiting your GP and getting a diagnosis as early as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The campaign is launched alongside new research that shows that nearly six in 10 people (56%) say a cancer diagnosis is their biggest health fear, above other illnesses including heart disease and Covid-19. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Almost two thirds (63%) of those surveyed said dying was their biggest cancer fear, with more than one in three (37%) worried about being a burden on family and friends and over another third (36%) worried about the impact of chemotherapy or other treatments.
While the majority of people knew catching cancer earlier makes it more treatable, over two fifths (42%) said they would ignore symptoms, wait to see if anything changed, look for answers online or speak to family and friends before seeing their GP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr Jyoti Sood \u201cA key part of this new campaign is encouraging people to be aware of any changes in their body, and not to hold back from getting them checked. If you are worried that something in your body doesn\u2019t feel right don\u2019t let it play on your mind, contact your GP.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Daksha Trivedi is a cancer survivor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She has mild symptoms of bloating and was having bowel issues. She went to see her GP who sent her for some tests. She was diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus (food pipe).<\/p>\n\n\n\n