It seems appropriate to update Jess’ petition today, Sunday 4th February, on World Cancer Day. We all know the stats; 1 in 2 of us will develop some form of cancer during our lifetime. No one is immune from this disease. All of us will be affected directly, or indirectly. For many, like us, the impact will be monumental.

So, how should we mark this day? I think the best way is to ask all of you to do what you do best, share this campaign and Jess’ story. If every GP in the country heard Jess’ story, knowing she was not - is not - an isolated case, perhaps they will think again when a patient returns to the surgery with the same symptoms, even if an initial diagnosis has been given. It is so important that GPs question their thinking, especially if the first diagnosis was unsubstantiated. An assumption that a patient is suffering from stress, allergies, migraines, a pulled muscle, a virus, etc may not be correct. Cancer can and does affect all ages, genders, and races. It is indiscriminate.

Our greatest chance at defeating cancer is early diagnosis and diagnosis invariably happens in Primary Care. We think, unequivocally, that the government should provide the finances to enable GPs to rule out the worst-case scenario at the earliest opportunity.

Please share Jess’ story, if possible.

https://vimeo.com/873865837/736b94ea24

Jess’ charity is working hard to create a reality where GPs are trained, aware, and willing to rethink and refer. Please do follow Jessica Brady CEDAR Trust on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or Linkedin, if you are able.

As always, thank you so much for all your support.