Overview
- Cancer Research UK’s YouGov survey of 6,844 people found 53% expected difficulty getting a GP appointment and 47% actually struggled to book one.
- Downplaying symptoms was common, with 44% not thinking an issue was serious and 43% choosing to manage it themselves, while many were reluctant to “make a fuss.”
- More than 350 Tesco pharmacies now have staff trained by Cancer Research UK to offer private consultations, flag possible warning signs and help book GP appointments.
- Health leaders urged earlier help‑seeking, with Cancer Research UK noting that nearly one in two people will face cancer and the NHS reporting record numbers seen and more early-stage diagnoses.
- Reporting links delays to long-running primary care pressures, with each full‑time equivalent GP in England responsible for about 15% more patients since 2015.