Help us help you - be clear on cancer

While the number of urgent cancer referrals is back up to 85% of pre-COVID levels, there are some people who may have worrying symptoms who are still not contacting their GP. 

From the start of the pandemic to the end of August, more than 870,000 people were urgently referred and over 90% of them were subsequently seen by a specialist within two weeks. Cancer treatment levels were maintained at 85% of 2019 levels during the height of the pandemic – showing that the NHS is there for you when you need it. 

If you’ve had unexplained blood that doesn’t come from an obvious injury (such as blood in your poo or pee), an unexplained lump, weight loss which feels significant to you or an unexplained pain that lasts three weeks or more, it could be a sign of cancer. 

It’s probably nothing serious, but finding cancer early makes it more treatable, so just speak to your GP. 

Your NHS is here to see you, safely.

Guides for people with learning disabilities 

The Northern Cancer Alliance has produced a number of helpful videos, supported by the North East and Cumbria Learning Disability Network, that help to explain the signs and symptoms and cancer. 

Be Cancer Aware | Signs of Cancer