Increased body vigilance ‘needed to help spot cancer earlier’

Increased body vigilance may contribute to early cancer diagnosis, according to a new UK study.

Conducted by the University of Surrey with support from Cancer Research UK, the study surveyed more than 2,000 people aged 50 and over, who were asked whether they had experienced one or more of 14 cancer alarm symptoms over the previous three months.

It was shown that 46 percent reported experiencing at least one cancer alarm symptom in this time period, including persistent cough or hoarseness, changes in bowel function or a constant shift in bladder habits.

However, only 63 percent of those who reported frequently associated symptoms of cancer went on to seek help from a medical professional, meaning that their disease may be going undiagnosed and untreated, thus putting them at risk of worse outcomes.

Dr Katriina Whitaker from the University of Surrey said: "In order to prevent the number of deaths in England from cancer, we need people to identify and understand changes in their bodies and not delay seeking medical help."

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