Overview
- A Cancer Research UK/YouGov survey of 6,844 adults found 53% expected difficulty getting a GP slot and 47% actually struggled, with 44% downplaying symptoms and 43% opting to self-manage.
- The charity’s partnership trains pharmacists in over 350 Tesco branches to discuss symptoms in private, give guidance on next steps, and assist with booking GP appointments.
- NHS cancer chief Professor Peter Johnson urged people to seek checks, noting record numbers are being seen and more are being diagnosed at an earlier stage.
- Cancer Research UK advises contacting a GP for unexplained changes such as new lumps or swelling, unexplained weight loss or tiredness, persistent pain, unexplained bleeding, breathlessness, a lasting cough, bowel changes, or concerning skin changes.
- Coverage links harder GP access and treatment delays to poorer outcomes, citing a 15% rise in patients per GP since 2015 and research associating a four‑week surgical delay with a 6–8% higher risk of death.