The NHS is urging people with potential symptoms of abdominal or urological cancer to get checked out by their GP.
Persistent tummy troubles can be a sign of several cancers, including bowel, ovarian or pancreatic cancer, and blood in urine, even just once, can be a sign of urological cancers (cancer that occurs in the kidney, bladder, or prostate).
Symptoms that could be possible signs of abdominal or urological cancers include:
• Persistent discomfort in the tummy area
• Change in bowel habit
• Blood in your urine - even just once
Dr Gurpreet Rakhra, Cancer Clinical Lead for NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “It’s incredibly important that people recognise the common symptoms that can signal a cancer diagnosis and it’s vital that they take action by making an appointment with their GP.
“We know that people who are suffering with abdominal or urological symptoms may be reluctant to visit their doctor due to a number of reasons. They may be embarrassed about their symptoms, concerned that they might be wasting their doctor’s time, or they may just put their symptoms down to getting older.
“While it’s probably nothing serious, any of these symptoms could be a sign of something that needs treatment. And, if it is cancer, finding it early makes it more treatable and can save lives.
“That’s why we’re encouraging anyone experiencing persistent tummy issues, a change in their bowel habit or blood in their urine, even if it’s just once, to contact their GP.”
A new cancer hotline is now available for people living in Sandwell who are worried they may have symptoms of cancer. Concerned patients will be able to speak to a specialist nurse who can discuss their symptoms and offer advice on the next steps to take. Those registered with a Sandwell GP can ring the advice line on 0121 507 3330, Monday to Friday, between 8am and 4pm.
Click here for more information on the new cancer hotline
Click here for more information on the signs and symptoms of cancer
