A quarter of people in Yorkshire diagnosed with cancer delayed contacting their GP after initial health concerns

A cancer charity in Yorkshire is encouraging people to seek medical advice if they have concerns about their health after new data shows a quarter of people in the region who were later diagnosed with cancer waited before contacting their GP.  

Analysis from Yorkshire Cancer Research shows 25% of people in Yorkshire did not contact their GP within three months of first thinking something might be wrong. 

Seeking medical advice promptly can help improve the chances of cancer being diagnosed at an early stage, when treatment is more likely to be successful. Cancers are often diagnosed through a route starting with a GP appointment. GPs can refer people for further tests, scans and specialist appointments to investigate health concerns and if cancer is present, help ensure it is identified as early as possible.

The charity’s analysis of data from the recently published National Cancer Patient Experience Survey shows significant variation across Yorkshire in how quickly people seek help after first thinking something might be wrong. Wakefield and North Kirklees recorded the highest proportion of people who waited more than three months before contacting their GP, with more than a third (34%) doing so. In contrast, Harrogate recorded the lowest proportion, with 17% waiting longer than three months.

There are many reasons why people may not seek help from their GP straight away. Work and caring responsibilities, transport challenges, worries about what symptoms might mean and cultural factors can all make it harder for people to access healthcare.  

Research that takes place in Yorkshire can help better understand and tackle the unique barriers that different communities in the region may face. However, for at least two decades Yorkshire has experienced inequalities in health research funding, preventing the region from unlocking its full research potential. Yorkshire Cancer Research is calling for greater investment in Yorkshire through a fairer funding system, enabling more clinical research that can help meet the diverse needs of people across the region. 

For example, the RURALLY study, funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research, looked at the barriers that people in rural North Yorkshire can experience when going to the GP about bowel cancer symptoms. It found that longer travel times, seasonal work pressures and fears of losing income from work were key factors contributing to delays in people visiting their doctor. Results from the study are now helping to inform new ways to overcome these barriers and encourage people to seek help early for possible cancer symptoms, including recommendations for GPs to help build trust with their patients. 

Dr Christina Dobson, lead researcher for the study, said: “Evidence suggests that people living in rural areas are less likely to survive cancer than those in urban areas. One of the reasons for this is that it takes longer for people in rural areas to be diagnosed with cancer."

"We are excited to develop this work to improve the experiences, and survival, of rural cancer patients in Yorkshire and beyond, and we are incredibly grateful to Yorkshire Cancer Research for funding the study.”

Yorkshire Cancer Research is encouraging people to be aware of changes to their body and to contact their GP practice if they have any concerns about their health that persist or are unusual for them.

The charity is working with ambassadors across the region to help raise awareness about the importance of coming forward with symptoms and how early cancer diagnosis can save lives.

They include mother-of-two Jackie Buxton, from Huby, who made sure to book an appointment with the GP the same day she discovered a lump in her breast.  

Despite initial doubts, testing confirmed the lump was a fast-growing type of breast cancer, but there were good treatment options available as it had been caught early. Ten years after her diagnosis, Jackie has finished her final round of hormone therapy and is cancer free.

Jackie said: "I was lucky to have my breast cancer diagnosed early, and I'm so grateful that I listened to my intuition and went to the doctor. You are never wasting a doctor's time when asking about changes in your body that worry you. The second you suspect something, make that appointment. It could save your life."

Jackie joined the charity's Research Advisory Panel to help others affected by cancer in Yorkshire, performing a crucial role in helping Yorkshire Cancer Research decide which pioneering new projects to fund.

Data from the National Cancer Patient Experience Survey also showed that people living in the most deprived areas were more likely to wait longer than three months before contacting their GP. Yorkshire Cancer Research says there can be many reasons why people may put off seeking help and is funding research to address health inequalities in the region, so more people in Yorkshire can receive the best cancer diagnosis and treatment - whoever they are and wherever they live. 

People from Gypsy, Traveller and Roma (GTR) communities face many deep-rooted health inequalities, including a higher likelihood of experiencing delays in cancer diagnosis. Yorkshire Cancer Research has joined forces with experts at the University of York to help address these long-standing issues, with people from GTR communities across Yorkshire being invited to share their experiences of cancer.

Through a community health survey, focus groups and interviews, two toolkits will be developed to support better communication from healthcare professionals, more informed choices, and easier access to culturally appropriate service. By finding ways to make it easier for people to receive support from the NHS, the study hopes to improve early cancer diagnosis within GTR communities and help save lives. 

To achieve this, the research team is working closely with GTR partners across Yorkshire including York Travellers Trust, Leeds GATE and Care for Young People’s Future.

Terezia Rostas, Director and Research Advisor at Care for Young People’s Future, said: "As a Roma woman, community advocate and researcher, I believe that some of these outcomes could have been different if people had access to the right information, trusted healthcare relationships, earlier screening, timely diagnosis, and culturally responsive care.” 

Dr Emily Lunn, a researcher on the study from York, understands just how vital it is to keep a track of changes in your body. Before starting her academic career in cancer research, she was diagnosed and treated for breast cancer after noticing discharge from her nipple.  

Emily said: "I kept seeing information about breast cancer, so I thought I'd better get it checked with the GP. I was advised to return if it persisted, and the symptom went away, but a few months later I found a new lumpy area in my breast. I went straight back to the doctor, and further testing confirmed I had stage 3 breast cancer."

Following successful cancer treatment, Emily was determined to use her experience to help make a difference for others. She secured the opportunity to complete a Yorkshire Cancer Research-funded PhD in cancer inequalities in Yorkshire, where she chose to focus her research on the barriers and facilitators for women attending breast cancer appointments. 

“Breast cancer changed my life, but with Yorkshire Cancer Research funding, I hope my research will help change the lives of others. Currently, there is a one-size-fits-all approach and the system doesn’t cater for the needs of different Yorkshire communities. Throughout my breast cancer experience, I knew where to access information and had a strong support network around me. Many people in Yorkshire don’t have that. If I can help change that and reduce inequalities, then my job is done.”

Dr Stuart Griffiths, Director of Research, Policy and Impact at the charity, said: “Yorkshire Cancer Research understands there are many reasons why people may delay contacting their GP. People lead busy lives, symptoms can be easy to overlook and some may feel worried about what they might hear.

"However, if something doesn't feel right, it's crucial to seek medical advice. Most people who contact their GP with a health concern will not have cancer, but if cancer is present, detecting it at an earlier stage can make a life-saving difference. Early diagnosis can mean more treatment options are available, offering the best chance of cure.