Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 08:30 - 19:00 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
Or call 0345 90 80 161
30 September 2014 12:55
Many women with symptoms of cervical cancer delay seeking help by months, researchers have found
Experts say more must be done to ensure young women with cervical cancer receive treatment as soon as possible.
Scientists at Queen Mary University of London carried out research among 128 women aged under 30 who had just been diagnosed with the condition.
They found that fewer than one in three went to see a doctor after noticing changes to their body, and of these nearly three in 10 (28%) only did so more than three months after the symptoms first emerged.
Women up to the age of 25 were also found to be more likely to delay seeking help than those aged between 25 and 29.
The researchers said one of the main reasons for patient delay could be that women simply do not recognise that abdominal pain and unusual bleeding or discharge can be signs of cervical cancer.
They might also worry about being examined by a male doctor or about wasting time, the experts said - but warned that delays in seeking help is likely to lead to worse outcomes for patients.
Many people who have just been diagnosed with cancer consider a holiday trip to help take their mind off treatment - and medical insurance for cancer patients will give them peace of mind during their journey.
Writing in the British Journal of General Practice, the researchers called for awareness among young women that their symptoms may be a sign of a serious illness and that they should speak to their GP immediately.
They added that their findings support case reports which suggest that women aged 25 or under often have a more advanced stage of the cancer by the time they seek help because they "delay presentation".
Earlier presentation "could improve outcomes" for these women, the experts concluded.
They said women should be assured that they will be able to be examined by a female doctor if they wish, and that they should not have to worry about wasting doctors' time or feeling embarrassed.
Women should also be more clearly informed about the symptoms of cervical cancer and how to spot them.
08 July 2019
Want to taste the real France? Experience the best French food and drink at one of these excellent foodie festivals. Perfect for food and wine lovers everywhere!
[more...]
Tired of the same old travel options? Explore the best travel experiences at one of these weird and wacky festivals from around the world.
Heading to the beach? Pack everything you need for the whole family by following this simple checklist.
05 July 2019
Heading off for some sun this summer? Protect your family's skin with these top tips to stay safe in the sun and prevent sunburn and lasting skin damage.
28 June 2019
Tired of paying over the odds for your family's summer holiday? Keep your costs down with our guide on how to get away for less...
Want to see Europe's greatest sport stars go head-to-head? Then head to Minsk! The capital of Belarus hosts this year's European Games – here's everything you need to know before travelling.
Heading to the European Games? Get more from your trip to Minsk by visiting some of these must-see attractions in the capital of Belarus.
Heading to the Austrian Grand Prix this summer? Get more out of your trip to Spielberg's iconic Red Bull Ring circuit with our guide to the local area.
07 June 2019
Thinking about going camping in France this summer but don't know where to try? Here's our quick guide to the best places to camp, whatever you're looking for.
Get hitched without a hitch! Here are our top tips on how to choose your perfect wedding location abroad, covering everything from food to legalities.
03 June 2019
Want to get into surfing but not sure where to go? Here's where you should be heading to get the best beginner waves around the world.