Local Cancer Alliance urges patients to get early diagnosis and timely treatment

Information and Advice – 30 July 2020

Early diagnosis and timely treatment for cancer are still vital even through the COVID-19 pandemic says the North Central London Cancer Alliance.

Returning to a pre-pandemic level of cancer treatment and care services and reassuring patients about the safety of cancer care when they most need it are top of the agenda at the North Central London Cancer Alliance.

Naser Turabi, programme director for the North Central London Cancer Alliance, says: “During the pandemic we have focused on making sure that urgent cancer treatment is available for patients who most need it. Through a partnership of NHS and private sector hospitals, the North Central and North East London Cancer Hub was created so that well over 1,600 cancer patients so far have had urgent surgery.

“But now that we appear to be past the worst of COVID-19 it is also vital that other forms of cancer care return to previous levels. Early diagnosis is very important for the successful treatment of cancer. We want to reassure patients that attending diagnostic appointments is safe and very necessary if you have worrying signs of a change in your health.”

We want to reassure patients that attending diagnostic appointments is safe and very necessary if you have worrying signs of a change in your health.

— Naser Turabi, programme director for the North Central London Cancer Alliance

Here are the main points to remember when looking after your health right now:

Talk to your GP

You can help the NHS to help you by taking action if you notice any unusual signs or symptoms in your body or in how you are feeling. Please contact your GP if you have any worrying symptoms. Phone appointments are available.

Attend hospital appointments

If you are asked to attend hospital for diagnostic tests it is important that you go in.

For ongoing clinic appointments, hospitals have switched to telephone and video clinics when appropriate.

Go for screening

If you or a family member is invited for cervical, breast or bowel screening please do book an appointment.

Safe cancer care is available

Hundreds of cancer patients in north and east London are having urgent surgery safely through the North Central and North East London cancer hub.

Radiotherapy and chemotherapy also continue for many patients in a way that keeps them as safe as possible from COVID-19 infection.

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