Published on: 10 January 2025
Health Leaders in Herefordshire and Worcestershire are encouraging people to seek immediate medical advice when experiencing symptoms of abdominal and urological cancer.
If you have tummy troubles such as discomfort or diarrhoea for three weeks or more or seen blood in your pee – even just once, contact your GP practice.
Persistent tummy troubles, which also includes things like being bloated most days, feeling sick or constipation, can be a sign of a number of cancers, including bowel, ovarian or pancreatic cancer. Finding blood in your pee – even just once, can be a sign of urological cancers, including bladder or kidney cancer.
You should also contact your GP practice if you notice any other unusual changes such as a lump in the tummy area, post-menopausal bleeding, abnormal vaginal bleeding, or unexplained weight loss, as these can also be signs of cancer.
While it’s probably nothing serious, any of these symptoms could be a sign of something that needs treatment. If it is cancer, finding it early makes it more treatable and can save lives.
If your symptoms continue, change, or get worse, it’s important to go back to your GP practice.
For more information on cancer signs and symptoms go to Cancer - Signs and symptoms - NHS
Dr. Will Taylor, Medical Director for NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire said: “If you notice any changes that are not normal for you, or something that won’t go away, don’t ignore it, speak to your doctor. It’s probably nothing serious, but your GP practice is there for advice. If it is cancer or another serious problem, finding it earlier makes it more treatable.”
When you contact your GP practice you may initially receive a telephone call to discuss the problem with a clinician. They will then arrange a face to face appointment or further tests if required. If necessary they may refer you to a hospital.
ENDS
