There is an article in the paper today, finally raising awareness about Oncology waiting times on the NHS and GPs' reluctance to recognise the possibility of Cancer amongst young adults and children. The Mirror has a two page spread about the importance of medical staff sitting up, and listening to young people when they complain of pains and discomfort. But the blame is placed completely on shoulders of the Government, and the cuts made by the coalition this year. Not entirely fair I feel, as this has been an ongoing problem for years. Certainly when I was initially diagnosed in 2001 Labour was in power, and Britain was enjoying reasonably economic stability - to the public's knowledge anyway. So where else should we be looking? Who else should we be telling to open their eyes? How about the doctors?! The people we turn to when we become aware there is something wrong, when we need reassurance, when we need help. It is these people that often present our first hurdles, who turn us away and tell us nothing is wrong, who encourage us to carry on with life and ignore the problem. It seems that rather than make a referral, many would rather make a mistake! And GP's must be made accountable for these mistakes, one in six young people are diagnosed with cancer everyday in the UK now, everyday! These statistics are too significant to ignore, and if it is a matter of educating our doctors, young and old, then it must be done, too many teens and children are being denied the chance to fight.
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