World cancer day (4 February) serves as a reminder to take up NHS screening invites and don’t ignore cancer signs
World Cancer Day (taking place on 4 February) is a perfect opportunity for people to spread the word about cancer and how we all can take steps to prevent it. One of the things we can do is to take up our NHS cancer screening invitations and seek help if you are concerned about the signs of cancer.
Screening looks for early signs that could indicate cancer is developing. It helps to spot cancers at an early stage when treatment is more likely to be successful and chances of survival are much better. In some instances, it can prevent cancers from developing at all when early changes are picked up; cervical screening is an example of this.
Dr Anant Sachdev, Bracknell GP, Clinical Cancer Lead for Thames Valley Cancer Alliance and Frimley Integrated Care System, CRUK Specialist GP, said; “It’s really important that anyone who has developed worrying symptoms which they think may be cancer, such as a new lump, unexplained weight loss or blood in pee or poo, contacts their GP for advice as soon as possible, even if you’ve recently had screening or if your due screening.
“If you have a persistent cough, it’s important to do a Covid-19 test and if doesn’t go after three weeks get it investigated as it may be a sign of something else.
“There is good chance that it won’t be anything to worry about but if there is anything that requires further investigation it’s important to act quickly. If cancers are detected earlier then lives can be saved. Waiting to get help could have serious consequences.”
According to World Cancer Day (an initiative of the Union for International Cancer Control), currently 10 million people die from cancer Worldwide every year, at least one third of common cancers are preventable.
For further information about World Cancer Day visit www.worldcancerday.org
Note to editors:
World Cancer Day is an international event marked every 4 February to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection and treatment. The day aims to spread awareness and understanding of the many forms of cancer and the impact that this has on all of us.