Tell Me About It
Time to stop worrying
If you’re worried about something that won’t go away, you need to contact your surgery and get it checked out. Finding out that it’s nothing serious will mean you can stop worrying. And in the unlikely event that your GP does see something more serious, the earlier we can start treatment and the better the chance of it being a success.
Patients needs patience
We all understand the pressures that the NHS are currently facing. You’ve probably heard stories about the difficulties people are having getting an appointment – you may even have experienced frustration yourself.
With a worrying symptom, you need to be patient and persevere until you speak to the receptionist at your GP surgery. The sooner you tell them, the sooner they can help.
If you’re not registered with a GP, please call your local surgery and ask to register. It’s free and available to everyone.
Tell them about it!
Receptionists are healthcare professionals. You need to give them all the information you can – and answer any questions they may ask you truthfully. If they think your situation is serious, they’ll ensure you get an appointment as soon as possible.
The symptoms we’re talking about
Lumps and bumps
Have you noticed a lump in your breast or a lump that’s increasing in size anywhere else on your body? It’s important to check your breasts, underarms, groin and testicles regularly for any new lumps or changes.
Moles
Have you got a mole that’s changing shape or looking uneven; changing colour, getting darker or having more than two colours; started itching, crusting, flaking or bleeding; or getting larger or more raised from the skin?
Unexplained weight loss
Have you lost a lot of weight over the last couple of months that cannot be explained by changes to your diet, exercise or stress?
Feeling tired and unwell
Do you think something’s not right – or do you keep feeling tired and unwell and you’re not sure why?
Bloating
Have you felt bloated for 3 weeks or more?
Coughing, chest pain or breathlessness
Have you had a cough for 3 weeks or more? Shortness of breath or chest pain may also be a sign of conditions such as pneumonia.
Changes in toilet habits
Have changes in your bowel habits lasted for 3 weeks or more? These can include stomach discomfort; blood in your poo; diarrhoea or constipation for no reason; not feeling fully empty - after going to the toilet; pain in your stomach or bottom; loose, pale or greasy-looking poo.
Bleeding, including blood in your pee or poo
Have you noticed any unexplained bleeding? This could include: blood in your pee or poo; vaginal bleeding between periods; vaginal bleeding a year or more after your menopause; bleeding from your bottom; blood when you cough; or blood in your vomit.
Indigestion and heartburn
Are you feeling a burning in your chest that may be making you burp or hiccup more often than usual? Some cancers can give you indigestion or heartburn and acid reflux – speak to your GP if you get them regularly and you’re not sure why.
Something not feeling right?
If any of these sound familiar, call your surgery. Your GP wants to see you.
Make the call. Get seen. Get peace of mind.