Less than half of Brits contact their GP within six months of noticing a red flag cancer symptom, worrying polling shows.
The YouGov poll of almost 2,500 people found that just 48% of those who had experienced symptoms such as coughing up blood, unexplained weight loss and a new or unusual lump contacted their GP within half a year.
Cancer Research UK, which commissioned the poll, said if people do not tell their doctor about unusual changes to their health the chances of them being diagnosed early reduces and this can have devastating effects.
When diagnosed at Stage 1, its earliest stage, 92% people will survive their bowel cancer for five years or more, compared with 10% when diagnosed at Stage 4.
It follows warnings from cancer experts that a £2 billion cut to NHS budgets caused by the Government’s unfunded pay deal for staff will delay diagnosis appointments.
Following its pay deal for public sector workers, which will mean most NHS staff get a real term pay cut, the Tories confirmed any pay increases would come from existing public sector budgets.
NHS bosses confirmed it will have to make cuts to plans for expanding diagnostic and technology capacity to find the money needed for the pay deal.
Cancer Research UK’s chief executive, Michelle Mitchell said: “Spotting cancer early is vital if more people are to survive, and the first step in that process is getting help for a possible cancer symptom.
“Earlier this year, the Government announced among its top priorities were improving early diagnosis of cancer and tackling health disparities.
“Cancer must remain a top priority and with the upcoming Health Disparities White Paper and 10 Year Plan for England, the new Health and Social Care Secretary has a huge opportunity to transform cancer survival with a clear and strong plan that works for all.”
