Members of the public have become less likely to go to their GP with potentially deadly cancer symptoms because they do not want to trouble the NHS during the pandemic, a new study has found.

On World Cancer Day, campaigners and charities are warning that early detection is vital to surviving the six most dangerous cancers.

The percentage of Scots who would go to their GP with a symptom indicative of this group of cancers has dropped from 64% to 57% since the start of the pandemic.

The most common reason given was not wanting to burden the health service.

The research was conducted by the Less Survivable Cancers Taskforce, which brings together charities campaigning for better treatment for cancers of the lung, liver, brain, oesophagus, pancreas and stomach.

Currently just 16% of people diagnosed with one of these cancers across the UK survives past the five-year mark and they account for half of all cancer deaths.

Early diagnosis is vital but a study from England in 2015 found that a third of patients were only diagnosed after an emergency admission to hospital when their symptoms had worsened.

Anna Jewell, Chair of the Taskforce, is warning that awareness is still “dangerously low”.

“All too often this contributes to a late diagnosis and a tragic reduction in life expectancy,” she said.

Just 5% of the people in Scotland surveyed could correctly identify all the symptoms of pancreatic or liver cancer from a list presented to them.

Oesophageal and lung cancers fared slightly better on 15% and 23% respectively, and 34% were able to recognise the symptoms of brain cancer.

Anna Jewell added: “It’s equally troubling to see that the coronavirus pandemic has caused a significant reduction in people who would seek help for symptoms of these cancers and exacerbated an already critical situation.

“It’s undeniable that the NHS is under huge pressure but it’s essential that people do not put off seeking medical advice if they have symptoms of less survivable cancers.

“Early diagnosis of these cancers is crucial so the first step is making sure people are aware of the symptoms and seek medical help as soon as possible if they have any concerns.”

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