Bupa launches Cancer Check-CUP guide to help spot the warning signs

One in two people in the UK is expected to be diagnosed with a form of cancer in their lifetime. Although we’re seeing advances in detection through to treatment, our research has identified there is widespread confusion about cancer symptoms, contributing to delayed diagnoses and irregular self-examinations.

There are more than one hundred types of cancer with a wide range of symptoms. Our study found that 45 per cent of adults believe it’s hard to remember the warning signs or physical changes they should look for, and as a result, two in five (38 per cent) people never check themselves for cancer symptoms.

This low level of awareness of what to look out for is also impacting on how long it takes for people to seek a medical diagnosis. More than six million people have delayed seeking medical advice about a symptom as they “didn’t realise what to look for”. For two million people this symptom was later diagnosed as cancerous.

Research shows that early diagnosis and treatment of cancer significantly improves the outcome for patients. For example, if diagnosed early (stage one), more than 80 per cent of people with stomach cancer will survive for five years or more after they’re diagnosed. However, the survival rate drops to around five per cent if someone is not diagnosed until stage four.

At Bupa, we are always looking to raise awareness of the symptoms. Being able to recognise if something is wrong is important as it helps reduce the time between detection and treatment, which is key to improving survival rates. This is why, we have launched our Cancer Check-CUP guide as a way to empower people to look out for changes that are unexplained or persistent and to seek medical help if they are worried.

Remember to Check-CUP for Cancer

1. Change:

Is something about your body different or unusual? Is something new, does something feel ‘wrong’ to you? Trust yourself to know what is right and wrong and seek help.

2. Unexplained:

Can you pinpoint why something has changed, why you are feeling physically unwell? If not, it is worth further investigation.

3. Persistent:

Have you been experiencing this or feeling unwell for longer than two weeks? Watch out for symptoms that you can’t shake off.

I would encourage anyone who is worried about their health or experiences a change that is unexplained or persistent to seek medical advice as soon as possible.

In my experience diagnosis and treatment can also be delayed as people can’t find the time to book a GP appointment or worry about wasting the doctor’s time. Our Cancer Direct Access service removes the need for a GP referral and allows customers to access specialist diagnosis services in a way that is easy and convenient for them. In some cases it offers peace of mind and reassurance that an individual’s symptoms are not cancer, or allows them to quickly access the appropriate medical support and treatment for their diagnosis.

Read the full findings of Bupa’s cancer research and Check-CUP materials.

The author is Dr Luke James, medical director UK insurance, Bupa.

This sponsored article was provided by Bupa.