The research questioned 300 young cancer patients aged between 13 and 24. More than 60 per cent had visited their GP with one of the most common cancer symptoms – a lump, pain, extreme tiredness, significant weight loss or changes to a mole – but in 28 per cent of these cases GPs took no action.
In 26 per cent of cases the young people visited four or more times before they were referred to a specialist.
Simon Davies, chief executive of the trust, said: “If a young person presents with the same symptoms three times, GPs should automatically refer them for further investigation. The two-week referral for suspected cancer is a major breakthrough but young people won’t benefit until GPs think cancer quicker.
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