Friends and relatives help to get early cancer diagnosis

Seeing a doctor about worrying changes to our bodies needs that little push from friends or relatives according to findings by Cancer Research UK.

More than 40 per cent of people who had worrying symptoms found talking to someone encouraged them to see their GP.

Health information manager at Cancer Research UK, Dr Claire Knight says that sometimes we all need a bit of nudge to make that appointment with our GPs.

She says: “Cancer is most common in the over 50s, but men and women of all ages who notice a change that’s hung around for a few weeks should get it checked out by a doctor. More than likely it won’t be anything to worry about but if it is cancer, spotting it in its earlier stages often makes treatment more successful, meaning the chances of recovering are much better.”