A new push for early checks is underway across Scotland. The latest stage of the Scottish Government’s Be the Early Bird campaign turns the spotlight on head and neck cancer signs. Around 1,300 new cases are found each year. It stands as Scotland’s sixth most common cancer, but only one third are caught in the early stages.

Authorities ask people to be on the look out for any unusual, lasting signs and to ring up their GP or dentist without delay if they find anything. A group known as the early birds – people whose cancer was caught in time – met with Health Secretary Neil Gray to share how early checks opened more treatment paths and kept them on the road to a full life. Their story is a firm call for others with odd or long-lasting symptoms to seek help soon.

Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Neil Gray stressed, “Early detection is so important to cancer care. The stories from our ‘early birds’ demonstrate the positive impact it can have on treatment and outcomes. So, I’m urging everyone to make sure they contact their GP practice about any unusual, persistent symptoms. The sooner we act, the better the chances for treatment and recovery. So, let’s be vigilant – if something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait, get checked early.”

Dr Gillian Leslie, Deputy Chief Dental Officer for Scotland, told us, “Head and neck cancer incidence rates have gradually increased over the past decade, making early detection more important than ever. Dentists play a vital role in detecting signs of cancer. Routine dental examinations allow us to identify subtle changes in the mouth and throat, and surrounding tissues that could signal early-stage cancer. Early diagnosis leads to better treatment options, so we urge people to attend their check-ups. Most importantly, if you notice any sores, lumps, red or white patches that do not go away after three weeks, don’t wait until your next appointment – we want to see you. It’s crucial not to dismiss any potential symptoms. Get checked right away.”

GP Dr Douglas Rigg added, “If you are worried about unexplained bleeding, an unusual lump, unexplained weight loss or something that doesn’t feel normal for you, we want to know. Don’t be embarrassed or sit at home worrying, give your GP practice a call. It probably won’t be cancer but if it is, finding cancer earlier can mean a much wider range of treatment options being available, and a better chance of living well again.”

One early bird, Daniel Morrison from Cambuslang in Lanarkshire, shared a glimpse of hope. Diagnosed with salivary gland cancer, the 30-year-old now lives well with his young family. “It’s thanks to spotting my cancer early that I’m now delighted to say I’m in recovery and able to look forward excitedly to the future with my young family,” he said. “I’d noticed fluid under my tongue and felt really fatigued but it’d be easy to try and ignore as nothing. I’m so thankful however that I got checked early, treated and looked after by a team of amazing medical experts throughout. This is why I’m passionate about the Scottish Government’s Be the Early Bird campaign – it’s so important that people understand the difference contacting your GP practice early can make.”

The campaign aims to stress how finding cancer at an early stage can lead to more treatment options, a higher chance of living well after treatment, and better news for families. A cheerful new figure, early bird Bonnie the Seagull with a neck lump, stands as a sign to keep watch for head and neck symptoms. This campaign will run throughout March via outdoor notice boards, digital media, and targeted work in supermarkets.

For more details on Be the Early Bird and to explore the symptom checker, visit getcheckedearly.org.