Cancer Research UK scientists from University College London and the University of Cambridge have said in their study that cancer patients have been losing trust in the NHS. It has been because they have to visit their GP at least three times before being referred for tests.

One quarter cancer patients have lost faith in the NHS. In the study, the researchers have gone through the data of 70,000 patients. Out of the 60,000 who were diagnosed through their GP, 13,000 were sent three or more times before referred for diagnostic tests.

The researchers said patients whose diagnoses were made late were more likely to be unhappy. Around one in five were not happy with the way the staff told them the news of having cancer and 40% were not happy with the communication between hospital staff and their GP.

There are many who think that intentionally, information was not revealed to them. And, 32% have affirmed that they did not have confidence and trust in the staff. Study’s lead researcher Georgios Lyratzopoulos from UCL, was of the view that the study findings show that first impression counts a lot.

“A negative experience of diagnosis can trigger loss of confidence in their care throughout the cancer journey”, affirmed Lyratzopoulos. Doctors have been told many times to quickly identify patients showing signs like tiredness or unexplained bruises. They should be asked for tests within 48 hours.