Scottish Government's 'Be the Early Bird' campaign aims to empower people with possible cancer symptoms to contact GP

In recent research, nearly a third of people (32 per cent) revealed they would wait days, weeks and even months to contact their GP practice about any unusual, persistent symptoms.

People across Lanarkshire are being urged to Be the Early Bird as part of an awareness raising campaign to empower people with possible cancer symptoms to contact their GP practice.

In recent research conducted by the Scottish Government, more than four in five people in Scotland (83 per cent) said they would report an item missing from a delivery order within a day, but nearly a third (32 per cent) revealed they would wait days, weeks and even months to contact their GP practice about any unusual, persistent symptoms.

The research, which surveyed over 2000 people, also showed that 87 per cent say they would respond to an urgent text from a friend within an hour, as opposed to more than two-in-five (42 per cent) who would take days, weeks or even months to contact their GP practice as soon as they experienced a persistent hoarse voice.

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Another finding showed that nearly nine out of 10 people in Scotland (86 per cent) would contact their GP practice within two days if their child/a child in their care was ill, however, if they had a persistent cough that had lasted more than three weeks, just over one in five (21 per cent) commented they’d wait at least another week to get in touch with their GP practice.

The Scottish Government wants to tackle these issues with its Be the Early Bird campaign, which aims to reinforce 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.

Health Secretary, and Airdrie & Shotts MSP, Neil Gray told Lanarkshire Live: “Early detection is crucial in cancer care.

"So, I urge everyone to prioritise their health and make sure you contact your GP practice about any unusual, persistent symptoms.

"The sooner we act, the better the chances for treatment and recovery.

"Let’s be vigilant - if something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait, get checked early."

Ross MacDuff, joint national clinical lead for earlier cancer diagnosis at the national Centre for Sustainable Delivery (CfSD), said: “Finding cancer in its earliest stages is really key to maximising treatment options.

"That’s why it’s so important that anyone who is experiencing persistent symptoms that are unusual for them contacts their GP practice so they can be assessed as soon as possible and referred, if appropriate, to the correct specialist.

“Whether it is you that has possible symptoms, a family member or friend, please don’t put off making an appointment with your GP practice.

"If cancer is confirmed earlier, a much wider range of treatment options can be available, and the body can respond better to treatment.”

For more information around how to be an Early Bird, and to use the symptom checker, visit here.

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