Something's Not Right - Dorset Campaign

You've reached Dorset's Early Diagnosis Campaign, Something's Not Right.

New symptoms can be scary, and sometimes it’s hard to reach your doctor.

We're sharing information and support through social media and community groups, to help people get a faster diagnosis after they become unwell.

Our goal is to increase early diagnosis of cancer and help more people champion their health and survive the disease. Although people who have bodily changes do not always go on to have cancer, it's still incredibly important to get cancer symptoms checked out. A faster diagnosis can often result in less invasive treatment and a quicker recovery. 

We want to support you to speak up and say 'Something's Not Right' when you notice bodily changes.

Our work is supported by Communities Against Cancer, an NHS-funded initiative, to help raise awareness of cancer and the importance of getting any unusual symptoms checked out.

Symptom Diary

Keeping a symptom diary may be very useful to share precise details of how long you’ve been experiencing your concerns. It'll help you feel more confident and help you communicate with your doctor clearly. 

We were delighted that it was launched by the Daily Mail - and we'd love to share it far and wide!

Stories & Advice 

Mission Remission is a grassroot charity run by cancer survivors. We're developing an area to share testimonies and advice from those who have already walked the path to diagnosis.

You can also read the Guardian interview with Mission Remission's founder, Laura Fulcher, sharing the challenges of diagnosis and the importance of being your own champion. 

Family Support

Hundreds of people have spoken to us about how crucial family support was for them during the path to diagnosis. For many, it was their family who encouraged them to make the first call to the GP, to go back for further advice, or to chase the hospital.

Just as importantly, people found heir family were incredibly supportive in coping with fear and anxiety. 

If a member of your family is worried about bodily changes, do gently share our symptom diary and help them prepare for their GP appointment, if this would be welcomed. 

Struggling to see your GP?

Long waits for GP appointments have been hitting the headlines recently. Our team of cancer survivors and clinicians have shared great ideas on what to do if you're struggling to see a GP.

'Next Step' Discussions 

Did you know that over 65% of people do not discuss 'next steps' during their GP appointment, i.e. they do not have a discussion of when to return if symptoms don't clear up?

Often, people are told to watch and wait to see if things get better - or are suggested a first treatment that doesn't always work. 

It is crucial that you ask your GP:

• What are the next steps if this doesn't help?

• When should I return if symptoms don't clear up?

Don't feel bad about booking a follow-up appointment if you don't get better!

Diagnosis Guide

We've created a guide which explains your role in the process of being diagnosed with cancer – or in fact any illness. It explains what you can do to be your own advocate and speed your diagnosis along.

Second Opinions

If after your GP appointment, you're worried that you're concerns weren't heard, do ring the surgery and see if you could speak to one of the other doctors. You could also try one of the practice nurses who could advise you about the best approach to getting another opinion.

Want to support early diagnosis? 

Great! You can help the campaign in several ways.

• Share this page, the symptom diary, and other resources with family members and others in your community.  
• Join our changemakers team - a volunteer group which meets online to talk about how to make change happen. 
• Donate to help us reach more people and build our campaign for health leaders and politicians.