Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 08:30 - 19:00 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
26 April 2017 08:24
Many people are diagnosed with cancer during A&E visits
Nearly three-quarters of patients diagnosed with cancer in A&E had previously seen their GP with related symptoms, according to research.
The study found 71% of those diagnosed as an emergency had previously spoken to their doctor about an issue related to their eventual cancer diagnosis.
The new study involved academics from University College London, the University of Cambridge and Public Health England. Statistics concerning 4,637 patients diagnosed in A&E were used.
3 or 4 visits to the GP
One in four people who had seen their GP before being diagnosed in A&E had spoken to a doctor three or more times. Around two-thirds had only been once or twice. Experts said these patients had in some cases lung cancer or other hard-to-spot variants of the disease.
But there were also patients with more common cancers, for example:
- 1 in 3 breast cancer patients had visited their GP three or more times
- 2 in 5 people with bowel cancer had visited three or more times
People who have survived cancer can arrange specialist medical travel insurance for holidays and overseas travel.
The charities respond
Spokespeople from some of the UK's biggest cancer charities expressed concern at the findings.
Samia al Qadhi, chief executive of Breast Cancer Care, said: "We speak to women and men who tell us how incredibly distressing it is not to be taken seriously when they've found a possible symptom."
Judith Brodie, acting chief executive of Beating Bowel Cancer, said the fact that 41% of bowel cancer patients diagnosed in A&E had seen their GP three or more times was "concerning".
The study was published in the British Journal of General Practice.
07 October 2019
With Halloween on the horizon we look for destinations across the globe with a decidedly mysterious appeal...
[more...]
What should you eat in Croatia? Good question. Unrumble that tummy with our rundown of our favourite Croat cuisine.
Where's the best beach in Croatia? We answer that question and more as we look at the Adriatic beaches you won't want to miss out on...
02 October 2019
Enjoy National Pizza Month and grab a slice of history with the true story of everyone's favourite Italian flat-bread...
Autumn is here. And while the weather outside starts to turn, you may be asking where to find October sun? Here are some of our top short-haul destinations...
19 September 2019
How do I protect my home while I'm away? Your question answered and more with our top tips for locking up your home while you're on holiday...
18 September 2019
Searching for the best things to do in Munich? Explore our top tips for things to do in the Bavarian capital...
Tummy rumbling? Discover the best Bavarian foods you can eat at Oktoberfest with our guide to some of the dishes you must try...
Who invented rugby? Ahead of the greatest rugby competition in the world, we take a look at how the game spread around the globe...
09 September 2019
What's the best place for a city break this September? Here are some of our favourite weekend destinations for a European getaway.
What's the best island to visit in Europe? Take a look at some of our top tips off the beaten track and find your very own island paradise...
02 September 2019
If you're visiting the Land of the Rising Sun for the rugby, here's everything you need to know about the World Cup's host cities...