Take action this World Cancer Day
The theme for this year's World Cancer Day, organised by the Union for International Cancer Control, was “Close the Care Gap”.
The campaign highlighted the significant barriers related to ethnic and socio-economic factors, as well as the stigmas and discrimination that prevent some people from accessing life-saving preventive services, diagnostics, treatment and care. These barriers can lead to wide discrepancies in the risks of developing and surviving cancer.
In line with our own work to tackle health inequalities, our aim is to ensure that cancer care is equitable for all - no matter who you are or where you live.
Accessing help and advice
Unfortunately, COVID-19 did cause significant disruptions to cancer services for a while and exacerbated existing health inequalities. This has meant a greater risk of cancers being diagnosed at a later stage.
Because of this, it is very important that you don’t delay getting help and advice if you are worried about a symptom.
There is a good chance the symptom might not even be due to cancer. But if it is, the earlier it's picked up, the higher the chance of successful treatment.
Who do I contact?
Services are getting back to normal and the NHS is available to help you.
You won't be wasting your doctor's time.
GPs will make urgent referrals to specialists, or for tests, if they’re worried you might have cancer. Hospital teams will prioritise tests and appointments so they can see those most in need and they will base any decisions on the symptoms people have and the risk of them being cancer.
Organisations who can help or provide information:
NHS website or telephone 111
Cancer Research UK or telephone 0300 123 1022
Macmillan Cancer Support or telephone 0808 808 0000
Cancer screening and coronavirus (COVID-19)
Cervical, breast and bowel cancer screening programmes have now resumed in the UK. Screening was delayed in 2020 to protect people from COVID-19 and because NHS staff who run screening programmes were needed to support critical services.
There are still delays to some invitations and follow-up appointments due to the pandemic, but the NHS is trying to reach everyone eligible as soon as possible.
It’s important to remember that screening is for people with no symptoms and it’s important you attend screening appointments if invited.
For more information about cancer screening visit Cancer Research UK.
One in 2 people in the UK will get cancer in their lifetime. There are more than 200 different types of cancer, but thanks to research many people are cured.
