GP slots crisis delaying vital cancer checks

PEOPLE are putting off getting red flag cancer symptoms checked due to a lack of GP appointments.

- BY MARTIN BAGOT

A poll of 6,844 by Cancer Research UK showed thinking it would be too hard to be seen and not bothering was the main reason people ignored signs that could be the disease.

It was cited by 53% of those polled, followed by trying to get a slot but it proving too difficult at 47%.

Next was not thinking the symptom would be anything serious (44%) and deciding they could manage the problem themselves (43%).

Some 43% said they found it difficult to get an appointment with a particular healthcare professional while 40% did not want to be seen as making a fuss.

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