Deadly delays to breast cancer checks: Fifth of women put off seeing GP

A FIFTH of women with breast cancer have put off seeing a GP for at least a month, research has found.

Woman with GPGETTY•PIC POSED BY MODELS

Women are putting off consulting their GP about cancer

The potentially deadly delay means an estimated 6,000 a year are putting their lives at risk.

A further 1,800 wait more than six months, often because they are afraid, says charity Breast Cancer Care.

It said women must see their doctor as soon as they discover breast changes of any kind.

A YouGov survey found a tenth of the 403 women it questioned didn’t have a lump but other symptoms such as puckering or dimpling of the skin, redness or a rash.

These could indicate a fast-growing cancer.

Almost a third of the women who waited over a month to visit their GP believed their symptom wasn’t a serious problem.

Other reasons for delay included being too scared it might be breast cancer (20 per cent) or not wanting to be a nuisance (8 per cent).

Breast Cancer Care’s chief executive Samia al Qadhi said: “There have been many campaigns around breast cancer symptoms but our survey suggests that the job still isn’t done.

It is extremely concerning that some women are waiting more than six months to visit their GP

Samia al Qadhi, of Breast Cancer Care

“The sooner a cancer is diagnosed, the more effective treatment is likely to be.

“It is extremely concerning that some women are waiting more than six months to visit their GP.

"Early diagnosis can mean more effective treatment.”

Fiona Lewis, 44, of Taunton, Somerset, who was diagnosed in 2012, said: “It was like my breast had a strange grainy texture and had hardened.

"Anyone who feels anything the slightest bit unusual or weird, trust your instincts.

"Even if it isn’t a common symptom, if it feels different, see your GP.”

Dr Fran Woodard, of Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “It is really worrying that many women may not realise how serious their signs and symptoms are.

“People who are diagnosed early have a better chance of surviving and having fewer long-term complications.” 

Tesicular cancer check - Loraine

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