Cancer appointments are continuing – please attend if you are asked to 

Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance is reassuring people that it is still safe to attend cancer appointments. 

Cancer assessment and treatments will continue, and people are being urged to keep their appointments. Measures are in place to help protect patients and staff and it is important to not delay cancer treatment. 

Urgent cancer surgery is being prioritised, with Covid-protected areas helping to ensure patients continue to receive safe and timely operations for cancer.  

Dr Sarah Taylor, Primary Care Lead for Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance and a GP in South Manchester, said: “We know that some people may be concerned about attending cancer appointments with their doctor or at the hospital during this latest wave of Covid-19 infections, but it is really important that people do attend these appointments.

“Early treatment improves the quality of life after a cancer diagnosis has been made and can save lives.” 

“In the coming weeks, the NHS has been asked to prioritise providing Covid-19 boosters for people aged 18 and over which means some non-urgent appointments may need to be re-arranged to ensure there are staff available to support the booster programme, as well as provide treatment for urgent and emergency cases.

“If you have potential cancer symptoms your GP will want to see you.” 

The public should take particular notice of persistent and unexplained symptoms such as:

• Lumps, bumps or swelling
• Blood in your pee, blood in your poo or coughing up blood
• Unexplained pain
• A change in bowel habit
• Extreme tiredness
• Weight loss
• A cough lasting over 3 weeks, especially if you have ever smoked

If you are concerned about potential cancer symptoms, you should contact your GP for advice. More information about cancer signs and symptoms can be found on the NHS website at nhs.uk/cancer.

If you are due to attend an appointment and have symptoms of Covid-19 symptoms, please let your clinical team know and arrange for a PCR test.

You should not attend a healthcare setting if you are awaiting a PCR test result, unless instructed by your clinical team.

Help and support

Macmillan is offering support to anyone across Greater Manchester who has been affected by cancer this Christmas: please do not hesitate to get in touch if you need information, support or just someone to talk to.

You can find out about what support is available to you, including Information and Support Centres and Benefits Advice Services as well as local support groups to join, by entering your postcode on Macmillan’s website. Here you’ll be able to find a phone number, email address and centre opening times local to you over the festive period.

The Macmillan website has lots of information and an option for you to chat to an expert online. There’s also an online community where people share experiences, ask questions and talk to people who understand what they might be going through.

Macmillan’s national support line is also open every day between 8am to 8pm. Anyone affected by cancer can call free on 0808 808 00 00.