Bradford TV doctor urges people worried about cancer to get checked out

Dr Amir Khan, who is based at Wibsey’s The Ridge Medical Practice has recorded a video message for Yorkshire Cancer Research, to help raise awareness of the importance of continuing to seek medical advice during the coronavirus crisis.

GP surgeries are taking steps to reduce the spread of Covid-19, including minimising the number of face-to-face appointments. However, phone or video consultations are still being arranged and if necessary, patients are being asked to attend appointments in person.

Dr Khan said: “Our GP surgery has 25,000 registered patients. Before the coronavirus pandemic we were referring on average 30-35 patients urgently to the hospital a week with suspected cancer symptoms. Since the pandemic, this number has fallen to 3-4 a week. That is a really worrying drop.

"I am concerned that there are people sitting at home who are not contacting their GP either due to fear of getting the virus if they leave their homes, or because they feel they may burden the service in a time of pandemic. What that means in the long term is potential delays in diagnosis of cancers and people waiting until treatment options are not as effective.”

Yorkshire Cancer Research is focused on improving the early diagnosis of cancer in the region, where four in 10 cancers are diagnosed at a late stage.

Chief executive Dr Kathryn Scott said: “It’s vitally important that people contact their GP if they’re worried they might have cancer. Early diagnosis is key to improving the likelihood of survival.

"The sooner cancer is found, the more likely it is to be treated successfully. Even during these unprecedented times, it is always best to speak to your GP, who can then decide the best course of action.”