SOUTH east residents are being urged to come forward for life-saving cancer checks if they're experiencing symptoms.

NHS data shows that more than 25,141 people in the South East are diagnosed with abdominal or urological cancers each year.

It revealed that 60 per cent of people are concerned about burdening the NHS, with 49 per cent saying they would delay seeking medical advice compared to before the pandemic.

Now, the NHS’s Medical Director for the South East of England is urging people with potential cancer symptoms to come forward.

The plea supports the recently launched Help Us Help You campaign, aimed to raise awareness of cancer related symptoms in the abdominal area, urological cancers, and lung cancer.

Vaughan Lewis, Medical Director for the NHS in the South East, said “We know that thousands of people could be risking their lives by delaying medical attention for cancer symptoms.

“Thanks to the hard work of NHS staff, we are back on track with cancer referrals, diagnosis and treatment so, whether you or a loved one has a routine appointment, or a potential cancer symptom, please don’t delay and come forward to get yourself checked – we would rather see you sooner when any cancer would be easier to treat. We are open and ready to treat people with potential cancer symptoms.

“It’s incredibly important that people recognise the common symptoms that can signal a cancer diagnosis – and it’s vital that they take action by making an appointment with their GP, that could ultimately save their life.”

Mark Jenkins, 55, was diagnosed with lung cancer during the pandemic.

He didn’t seek help initially after he coughed up blood but after a fall at work, further tests revealed his cancer diagnosis.

Mark said “Although I feel lucky, I know things could have turned out so differently. I would say to anyone ‘go and get yourself checked out if you cough up blood’.

"I wish I had. I might have saved all this from happening to me”.