Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance is reassuring people that it is still safe to attend cancer appointments.

The NHS say it will continue to prioritise cancer services as a wave of Omicron Covid-19 cases sweeps through the region. 

Cancer assessment and treatments will continue, with people being urged to keep their appointments and not to delay cancer treatment. 

Covid measures are in place to protect patients and staff, ensuring that safe and timely operations for cancer can still continue. 

Dr Sarah Taylor, a GP in South Manchester and the Primary Care Lead for Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, said: “We know that some people may be concerned about attending cancer appointments with their doctor or at the hospital during this latest wave of COVID-19 infections, but it is really important that people do attend these appointments. Early treatment improves the quality of life after a cancer diagnosis has been made and can save lives.

“In the coming weeks, the NHS has been asked to prioritise providing COVID-19 boosters for people aged 18 and over which means some non-urgent appointments may need to be re-arranged to ensure there are staff available to support the booster programme, as well as provide treatment for urgent and emergency cases. If you have potential cancer symptoms your GP will want to see you.” 

Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance say the public should take particular notice of persistent and unexplained symptoms such as:

• Lumps, bumps or swelling
• Blood in your pee, blood in your poo or coughing up blood
• Unexplained pain
• A change in bowel habit
• Extreme tiredness
• Weight loss
• A cough lasting over three weeks, especially if you have ever smoked

Anyone who is concerned about potential cancer symptoms should contact their GP for advice.

More information about cancer signs and symptoms can be found on the NHS website at nhs.uk/cancer.

Anyone due to attend an appointment who has symptoms of Covid-19 should let their clinical team know and arrange for a PCR test.

People should not attend a healthcare setting if they are awaiting a PCR test result, unless instructed to do so by their clinical team.

Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance is one of 21 Cancer Alliances across NHS England, and the Cancer Programme of the Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership.