During coronavirus it is still important that you contact a GP if you are worried about a lump or another potential symptom of cancer

The coronavirus pandemic is affecting us all in so many ways, creating enormous emotional strain and directly impacting all aspects of our health system.

However, people in our community are, and will continue to, develop health conditions just as they always do.

There have been major impacts on healthcare as hospitals try to make capacity for increased coronavirus-related admissions and seek to balance the risks of needing tests or treatment with those of contracting coronavirus infection. 

But it is important to remember that doctors are still treating all of our non-coronavirus ailments and hospitals are still providing care where it is urgent or critical.

Our GP services are also continuing to work as they usually would despite the virus control restrictions in place and the added pressure of the pandemic.

If you find an unusual lump or develop other symptoms that worry you (for example changes or issues going to the toilet, ongoing fatigue, night sweats or unusual bleeding) that you are concerned might be related to cancer you should make contact with your GP over the phone.

You should also not hesitate to contact your consultant or GP if you have any worries about symptoms related to current or previous cancer treatment.  

With coronavirus precautions in place it’s likely that your GP may look in the first instance to talk through your symptoms and concerns over the phone. 

Symptoms like these can occur for lots of non-cancer reasons and some simple questions and possibly the camera of a mobile phone may help give a sense of the likelihood of this being something common, such as a lipoma (a fatty lump that can grow under the skin), an infection or something possibly more insidious that needs scans or diagnostics to check what it might be.  

Your GP is best placed to reassure you and, if you do need a further investigation will be able to help guide you through the process. 

You can also find more information on potential signs and symptoms of cancer on our website.