International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

People who are worried they may be developing a cancer must act quickly to contact a doctor, it has been suggested.

Commenting after Cancer Research UK claimed almost 40 per cent of British people would put off going to their GP with cancer symptoms because they do not want to bother the doctor, a spokesperson for the UK Patients Association highlighted the importance of seeking early treatment.

She said the study reinforces her organisation's call for patients to be responsible, while it also shows the need for GPs and their staff to be sensitive at all times to individual patients.

"For example, that first telephone call for a GP appointment will be one of dozens that day for receptionists. For the patient it may be the most frightening call they have ever made," the spokesperson added.

"Patients must recognise that the earlier they are treated, the higher the chance of success," she stated.

According to Cancer Research UK, women in particular worry about 'wasting their doctor's time', with 41 per cent admitting they would delay the visit for that reason, compared with 36 per cent of men.

In addition, 40 per cent of women and 34 per cent of men also said they would put off making an appointment due to fears over what the doctor might find.