West Middlesex staff in new campaign ‘Cancer won’t wait’

A new campaign launched by the NHS in North West London is called ‘Cancer won’t wait.’

The local NHS is asking people to come forward for screening when invited and to speak to their GP if they notice any unusual changes in their body without delay. Since the start of the pandemic the number of people taking up screening appointments and attending their referral appointments has markedly dropped.

West Middlesex staff who work in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer are supporting the campaign on posters, videos and social media. They are keen to reassure the public that it is safe to attend appointments at the hospital, and to point out the importance of prompt diagnosis.

Dr Abhijit Singh Gill, Hounslow GP and Cancer Lead for NHS NW London Clinical Commissioning Group is leading the campaign. He said:

“Coronavirus has of course been a huge health concern for everyone this past year, and we have noticed that people are less likely to present to their GP with health concerns. When it comes to cancer, it is important that people come to us early, so every effort is made to help them as quickly as possible".

“GPs are very busy but we are not too busy for our patients. If you have noticed something about your body that’s not normal for you, or are worried about any symptoms, please speak to your GP. Please also take up that screening invitation when it comes through the post. Cancer isn’t on lockdown, cancer won’t wait.”

Dr Iain Beveridge is Medical Director at the West Middlesex and a gastroenterologist.

“Unfortunately we’re seeing some people coming to A&E with symptoms of cancer at a point when their symptoms have developed and they are really worried about their symptoms or in a lot of pain. Unfortunately, this may be when the cancer is more advanced or more serious. That’s why early diagnosis and getting checked out is so important. Coming forward straight away could help save your life.”

“For people that are worried about visiting their GP or local hospital, I can reassure them that NHS puts safety first above anything else. Alongside treating thousands of people with coronavirus, NHS staff have gone to great lengths to make sure that everyone can safely access services”.

The NHS offers regular cancer screening for men and women for breast, bowel and cervical cancer. Screening is a way of finding out if there any signs of cancer so that early treatment can be offered or information given to help them make informed decisions.

Other staff at the hospital supporting the campaign include Dr Rupert Penwarden (Consultant Radiologist), Damilola Odetoyinbo (Senior Radiographer), Claire Kalia (Acute Oncology Nurse Specialist), Jira Jimiera (Endoscopy Sister), and Nabeela Mughal, the Trust Director of Infection Prevention and Control.

Dr Baldeep Syan is a GP who also works in a regular diagnostic clinic at West Middlesex.  “This year has been hugely challenging for everyone including the NHS and people want to avoid being a burden or are fearful about seeking medical advice.

So whether you or a loved one has a routine appointment, or a potential cancer symptom, our message is clear – you are not a burden, we are here to safely care for you so please don't delay, come forward as you usually would. Cancer won’t wait and we can see you safely”.

NHS staff have pulled out all the stops to keep cancer services going throughout the pandemic, with almost one million people referred for checks or starting treatment since the virus took hold.

Visit nwlccgs.nhs.uk for more information.