Why are people in the UK delaying cancer checks?

Many Britons delay checks due to fears of difficulty booking GP appointments, downplaying symptoms, and preferring self-care.

How are Tesco pharmacists helping with cancer detection?

Tesco pharmacists are trained by Cancer Research UK to identify potential cancer signs and guide customers on next steps.

What is the Cancer Research UK survey about?

The survey explored reasons why people avoid seeking medical help for potential cancer symptoms, highlighting barriers like appointment access.

Home / Health / Brits Delay Cancer Checks Over GP Access Fears

Brits Delay Cancer Checks Over GP Access Fears

19 Nov, 2025

•

Summary

Over half of Brits fear difficulty booking GP appointments.
Many downplay symptoms, believing they will resolve themselves.
Tesco pharmacists now trained to help identify cancer signs.

Brits Delay Cancer Checks Over GP Access Fears

A significant portion of the British public is postponing medical evaluations for potential cancer symptoms, primarily due to perceived obstacles in securing GP appointments and a habit of minimizing health concerns. A comprehensive survey revealed that over half of respondents anticipated challenges in booking appointments, with a substantial number experiencing such difficulties.

Further contributing factors include a belief that symptoms are not serious, a preference for self-management, and reluctance to cause a fuss. Some individuals also attributed their symptoms to existing conditions or life changes, while others expressed a dislike for remote consultations.

In response, Cancer Research UK has partnered with Tesco, training pharmacists to offer private consultations. These trained professionals can now assist customers in identifying worrying symptoms and booking necessary GP appointments, thereby supporting earlier cancer detection and improving patient outcomes.