THOUSANDS of Brits are living with undiagnosed cancer, with the cancer care crisis compounded by the Covid pandemic.
To avoid a later diagnosis, swot up on the common signs of the disease, including fatigue and weight loss.
The statistics paint a worrying picture about “missing” cancer cases.
A report last week said many lives will end “prematurely” due to a combination of a reluctance of some people to come forward with symptoms, and delayed treatments during the pandemic.
The Health and Social Care Committee of MPs said that on top of this, staffing shortfalls are “jeopardising” progress on diagnosing more cancers at an early stage.
The report states that 36,000 fewer people in England began cancer treatment compared to previous years.
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Macmillan Cancer Support also said in November 2021 that some 47,600 fewer Brits have been diagnosed with the disease compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Individual cancer charities have warned thousands of people are living with the disease with no idea.
Data shows 14,000 fewer men were diagnosed with prostate cancer during the pandemic, for example.
Meanwhile, the MP committee said more than 340,000 Brits face being diagnosed with a much deadlier late-stage tumour due to critical staff shortages.
Ministers have pledged that three in four of all cases diagnosed early by 2028.
Experts warn early pick up of the disease is key in boosting outcomes.
But MPs say they do not believe the NHS is on track to meet the 2028 target.
The UK is considerably worse at diagnosing people with cancer at an early stage compared to other nations, The International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership said this week.
Its analysis found that more than a third of major cancers are being picked up in A&E, when the disease may already be advanced and survival odds are lower.
Dr John Butler, clinical lead for the International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership and an ovarian cancer surgeon, said: “Across the globe, the pandemic has challenged healthcare systems.
“In the UK, access to primary care and diagnostic tests were reduced and screening paused.
“This means some cancers, especially those with vague, non-specific symptoms, may have gone unnoticed.
“Cancer plans across the UK must prioritise early diagnosis. To have a better chance of beating their cancer, people must be treated as soon as possible.”
Never ignore these signs
These are the most common signs of cancer to watch for.
If it’s easier, you can remember warning flags from head to toe instead – click here to find out how the disease affects the body in different ways.
1. Unexplained weight loss
The key here is “unexplained” weight loss – a disappearing beer belly for seemingly no reason.
Losing more than 10lbs without trying could be one of the first signs of cancers of the pancreas, stomach, oesophagus, or lungs.
2. Unusual swellings or lumps
Persistent lumps or swelling in any part of your body should be taken seriously.
That includes any lumps in the neck, armpit, stomach, groin, chest, breast or testicle.
Women should be extra vigilant and look for changes in their breasts, while men should check their balls regularly – this shouldn’t stop during the coronavirus pandemic.
3. Cough, cough
A persistent cough is not just a sign of Covid-19 – it could also be a symptom of cancer, especially if it doesn’t disappear after three or four weeks.
If you’re also short of breath and coughing up phlegm with signs of blood, it could be a sign of lung cancer.
4. Mole changes
We all know moles can be a sign of skin cancer, but lots of us have no clue of the changes to watch out for.
You need to be on the lookout for any new moles or any changes in the size, shape or colour of existing ones.
If they become crusty, bloody or seem to ooze any liquid, they also need to be checked out.
5. Blood in your poo or pee
Blood in your poo is one of the red-flag warning signs of bowel cancer – the second deadliest cancer in the UK.
That combined with a change in your toilet habits – going more often than normal, suffering more constipation, and anything else out of the ordinary for you – should kick you in gear to get checked out.
If you spot blood in your pee, it could be a sign of bladder or kidney cancer.
6. Pee problems
Dribbling, leaking, a desperate urge or waking up busting in the night, pain when you pee and struggling to pee all should ring alarm bells.
In men, it could mean prostate cancer, which rarely has symptoms but may cause lower back pain, pain in the rectum, hips or pelvis and erection problems.
Women should also look out for unexplained vaginal bleeding or “spotting” between periods, after sex or after the menopause.
7. Unexplained pain
If you have pain lasting longer than four weeks, unexplained pain, or pain that comes and goes – this is a key red-flag warning sign.
According to Cancer Research, most cancer pain is caused by the tumour pressing on bones, nerves or other organs in the body.
8. Heartburn
If you’re regularly suffering bouts of painful heartburn, or heartburn that doesn’t seem to go away, it’s important to get checked out.
It can be a sign of stomach or throat cancer.
9. Difficulties swallowing
If you feel as though food constantly keeps getting stuck when you’re eating and it’s sometimes uncomfortable or painful to swallow – you should get in touch with your GP.
In particular, it is the most common symptom of oesophageal cancer.
10. Heavy night sweats
Night sweats are an early symptom of a host of different cancers.
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The most common type of cancer associated with night sweats is lymphoma.
This is a type of cancer that develops in the lymphatic system – a network of vessels and glands spread throughout your body.
