The social media campaign 'Why Wait? Cancer Doesn't' urges people with potential cancer symptoms to contact their GP practice if they notice something out of the ordinary, as GPs send a very clear message that general practices are open and the NHS is still able to provide essential and urgent treatment for cancer.
Dr Janet Walker, medical director, NHS Tees Valley Clinical Commissioning Group, said: "I can understand why people have not been contacting their GP surgery in recent weeks but it's important that you speak to your doctor if you have a worrying symptom, the chances are it's nothing serious but finding it early can make it more treatable.
"If you could share the campaign messages on social media that would really help raise awareness and encourage people to not delay and call their GP today."
The campaign has been developed by NHS Tees Valley CCG, County Durham CCG, South Tyneside CCG, Sunderland CCG, North Tyneside CCG, North Cumbria CCG and Newcastle Gateshead CCG in partnership with North of England Commissioning Support and Northern Cancer Alliance and will run for the next four weeks.
The key message from the NHS is, if you need medical help you should still contact your GP practice, use NHS 111 online or call 111 and if you are told to go to hospital it is important that you go. If you are concerned about your health, please don't put it off, we'll give you the care you need.
