New research has suggested that around half of UK adults do not contact their GP within six months despite spotting a potential cancer symptom.

A YouGov poll of 2,468 people for Cancer Research UK found that just 48% of those who had experienced a red flag symptom – including coughing up blood, unexplained weight loss and a new or unusual lump – contacted their GP within half a year.

Not telling a doctor about unusual health changes or possible cancer symptoms reduces the chances of an early cancer diagnosis, leading to potentially devastating outcomes.

For example, when diagnosed at stage one – the earliest stage – more than nine in 10 (92%) people will survive bowel cancer for five years or more.

This is compared with one in 10 (10%) when diagnosed at stage four – the latest stage.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Socioeconomic groups also played a factor in seeking help from a GP (PA) Socioeconomic groups also played a factor in seeking help from a GP (PA) (Image: PA)

According to the survey, there were also differences in people’s help-seeking behaviour between the most and least deprived groups.

Among those who did contact their GP within six months, those from higher socioeconomic backgrounds were more likely to be successful in making an appointment (81%), compared with those from a lower socioeconomic group (74%).

After an appointment, those from a lower socioeconomic background were also less likely (48%) to go back to their GP if a possible cancer symptom did not go away than those from a higher socioeconomic background (60%).

Early diagnosis makes treatment more effective and therefore improves the chances of survival.

However, people from poorer backgrounds are more likely to be diagnosed via an emergency route which results in worse experiences of treatment and poorer survival rates, experts say.

Cancer Research UK’s chief executive Michelle Mitchell said: “Spotting cancer early is vital if more people are to survive, and the first step in that process is getting help for a possible cancer symptom.

“It’s really worrying to see such a large gap in accessing services between the UK’s most and least deprived groups.

“Earlier this year, the Government announced among its top priorities were improving early diagnosis of cancer and tackling health disparities.

“Cancer must remain a top priority and with the upcoming Health Disparities White Paper and 10-Year Plan for England, the new Health and Social Care Secretary has a huge opportunity to transform cancer survival with a clear and strong plan that works for all.”