NHS WESTERN ISLES URGES PEOPLE WITH POSSIBLE CANCER SYMPTOMS TO ‘BE THE EARLY BIRD’

NHS Western Isles today backed a new campaign encouraging people with possible cancer symptoms to seek help without delay.

The ‘Be the Early Bird’ campaign reinforces the benefits of finding cancer at an earlier stage when there’s more treatment options available, a greater likelihood of living well after treatment and better news to tell the family.

We are urging everyone with persistent symptoms, unusual for them, to contact their GP practice without delay to get checked – this could include unexplained bleeding, unusual lumps, unexplained weight loss or something that doesn’t feel normal for them.

People from across Scotland whose actions resulted in an earlier cancer diagnosis and successful treatment have backed the campaign, sharing their gratitude for the life they now have in a bid to encourage people not to put off getting possible cancer symptoms checked.

Western Isles resident, Fiona, said: “I noticed something was wrong during a routine breast self-examination. It wasn't a lump, just a mark that didn't look right. I went to my GP who referred me and had my first appointment within a month confirming a breast cancer diagnosis. I had surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy all within 6 months. I count myself very lucky that the cancer was caught early before it had a chance to spread. I have been free of cancer now for 13 years and that early diagnosis and quick treatment programme ensured a successful outcome for me. I would encourage anyone who sees anything they are not sure of to go and see your doctor straight away, an early diagnosis increases the chances of a very successful outcome.”

Another local resident, Kathryn, shared her experience: “I had mild symptoms which I wrote off as being a continuation of previous complaints and (against medical advice) I wanted to put off having a screening test until I had got my holidays out of the way. However, at that point the national bowel screening kit came through the door. Assuming it would be fine, I did the test immediately. This was very fortunate indeed as the result was positive and after further tests, I had a major operation for bowel cancer. I was told that my cancer had been found very early – which matters hugely as the chances of survival are far greater the sooner it is found (something I had not been aware of before.) I would thoroughly recommend that everyone does the test as soon as they get it. The modern tests are straightforward and clean to do – and could save your life.”

NHS Western Isles Health Protection and Screening Nurse Specialist, Isabell MacInnes, said: “If you notice something persistent that isn’t normal for you, don’t delay making an appointment with your GP practice.  

“In most cases these symptoms will unlikely be due to cancer, but more can be done to treat cancer if it’s found at an earlier stage, so it’s best to get checked.”

People can find out more about possible cancer symptoms at getcheckedearly.org.