Be the Early Bird

People in the Western Isles are being reminded that their GP practice wants to know if they are experiencing persistent symptoms that are unusual for them, that could be cancer.

The Scottish Government’s ‘Be the Early Bird’ campaign is encouraging people, particularly those aged over 40, to get checked if they notice unexplained bleeding, unusual lumps, unexplained weight loss or something that doesn’t feel normal for them.

The benefits of finding cancer at an earlier stage include more treatment options, a greater likelihood of living well after treatment and better news to tell the family.

Local GP, Dr. David Rigby, said “In Scotland many patients with cancer are unfortunately only diagnosed at a late stage in the disease which limits the options for treatment and, unfortunately, also limits the chances of long-term survival.  However, there are many ways we can help ourselves and our loved ones to pick up cancers before they have had a chance to take hold. 

“The National Screening Programmes for bowel, cervical and breast cancer allow us to pick up cancer before we even know it is there, and these have consistently shown to reduce poor outcomes in these specific cancer diagnoses.  Regardless of a normal screening result, it is important to seek advice from a healthcare professional if you develop new symptoms (such as a change in bowel habit that persists over several weeks, abnormal vaginal bleeding or a change in breast examination).  Detecting Cancer Early can have a huge impact on treatment whether the abnormality is picked up by screening or by getting checked with symptoms – be cancer aware for a better outcome."

‘Early Bird’ Graeme Clark was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia two weeks after noticing symptoms that weren’t normal for him including fatigue, red freckles on his arms and bleeding gums. Graeme, who was 29 when he was diagnosed, underwent chemotherapy, radiotherapy and then a stem cell transplant and is now five years completely clear.

Graeme said: “My advice to anyone concerned about a possible symptom is to make an appointment with your GP practice immediately. It doesn’t bear thinking about what could have happened if I’d not been diagnosed at that point. Go with your gut if you feel something is wrong. Don’t google it or sit and worry about it, put your trust in the professionals. Regretting doing nothing is so not worth it.”

If you’re worried about a possible cancer symptom, your GP practice wants to know.

For more information visit getcheckedearly.org