WATCH: Highland woman backs 'early bird' cancer campaign with heartfelt plea to others - 'Don't delay'
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A HIGHLAND woman has backed a new Scottish Government campaign designed to challenge the fear that is delaying people from getting possible cancer symptoms checked.
‘Be the Early Bird’ 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.
The campaign is particularly aimed at those aged 40 and over, and urges 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.
It was such a shock. At no point did I think it was going to be cancer. My surgeon later described my cancer as ‘on the move’ so while it hadn’t fully spread to other parts of my body, it was going that way. - Christine Mitchell
The campaign is supported by ‘early birds’ across Scotland – cancer patients whose actions resulted in an earlier diagnosis and successful treatment, and who have shared their gratitude for the life they now have.
‘Early bird’ Christine Mitchell (63) from Ardross, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2013 after seeing a GP about symptoms that were unusual for her.
Fortunately the cancer was found at an earlier stage, was treated successfully, and she remains in good health nine years later. A keen hiker, she continues to enjoy regular walking trips and holidays.
Early diagnosis saves lives, so please, if you are putting off making an appointment, don’t. Make that call today. - Chrsitine Mitchell
Christine, who volunteers for Target Ovarian Cancer, said: “It was such a shock. At no point did I think it was going to be cancer. My surgeon later described my cancer as ‘on the move’ so while it hadn’t fully spread to other parts of my body, it was going that way. I would need surgery followed by chemotherapy. Sometimes, a few rounds of chemo are required before surgery in order to shrink the tumour, but fortunately mine had been found in time and the surgery could go ahead right away.
“Although getting the diagnosis was scary, you know you’re taking action against the cancer, and there is some positivity in that. The unknowns of cancer can be worse – being worried that you might have it and it being left untreated.
“I know how fortunate I was to see a doctor who recognised my symptoms and advised I get further tests as soon as possible. My cancer being found at an earlier stage allowed me to make a full recovery, and nine years later I’m living a happy, healthy life. I want everyone to have this chance, and that’s why it’s so important for people to be aware of symptoms and contact their GP practice if they are experiencing anything unusual. Early diagnosis saves lives, so please, if you are putting off making an appointment, don’t. Make that call today.”
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Humza Yousaf said: “More people are surviving cancer than ever before in Scotland, but finding cancer at an earlier stage remains key.
“The ‘Be the Early Bird’ campaign has been designed to highlight why an earlier diagnosis can lead to better outcomes, in terms of treatment options and quality of life after treatment, to motivate people to take action rather than put off getting possible cancer symptoms checked.
“If you’ve noticed something that is persistent and doesn’t feel normal for you, your GP practice wants to hear from you. They are there to help.”
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.”
People can find out more about possible cancer symptoms at getcheckedearly.org.
