'More education needed' on cancer symptoms

THE signs and symptoms of cancer are not being taken seriously enough by the people of Kirklees, according to a report.

The NHS Kirklees report, based on the findings of a Cancer Awareness Measure (CAM) survey, was carried out across the district earlier this year to test awareness of the causes of cancer and symptoms.

It also asked people how long they would wait before seeking medical advice and what would delay them in doing so.

Overall, awareness of cancer symptoms locally was generally low with only 24 per cent of respondents being able to name any apart from lumps, swelling, bleeding or pain. People were less likely to see changes to skin, bowel or bladder habits as potential signs of cancer.

Key findings include:

n Women are significantly more likely to mention a lump than men.

n Respondents were aware of the connection between smoking and cancer but did not link factors such as sunburn to skin cancer

n Young people were much less likely to respond to the symptoms of cancer than older people

n 91 per cent of women correctly mentioned breast cancer as one of the top three most common cancers

n 55 per cent of male respondents thought prostate cancer was the most common cancer in men when it is the second most common next to skin cancer.

Nicky Hoyle, Consultant in Public Health at NHS Kirklees, said: “Cancer treatments are improving survival rates and the earlier people are diagnosed the better.

“The survey shows that, while people in Kirklees are aware of some of the signs and symptoms, more education is needed so that people present to their GP as early as possible. The sooner a cancer is diagnosed and treated the better the outcome is likely to be.”

Janet Cawtheray, joint cancer lead across Calderdale and Kirklees, said: “If people do have concerns about changes in their bowel, bladder habits, changes to skin or any worries then they should not be afraid to go and see their doctor. This is not wasting their time and it is important that symptoms are identified sooner rather than later.”

More information is available at: www.cancerhelp.org.uk