EARLY detection of cancer saves lives. A recent study found that the overall survival rate for women with cervical cancer is 68 per cent after five years. Yet the five-year relative survival rate for women whose cancer is detected early is 91 per cent.

Timely diagnosis for many cancers makes treatment easier, less invasive and more effective.

But figures show that many cancer sufferers face an uphill struggle convincing their doctor that they really are sick. Shockingly, one in ten has to see a GP at least five times before being referred to hospital.

And tens of thousands of patients have their cancer diagnosed at a hospital accident and emergency department because their family doctor missed the signs.

There are large inequalities in mortality and survival rates for cancer throughout the country – and the North-East’s record could be better.

The incidence of cancer is higher here and the chances of survival lower compared with the average throughout England.

Yet, thanks to the tremendous efforts of the Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre, in Newcastle, the North-East punches well above its weight in cancer research helping to find new treatments.

In future, GPs who consistently fail to spot the early signs of cancer could be named and shamed under new Government plans.

GPs say the proposals are too crude. They believe it will lead to longer waiting times for people to see a specialist because doctors will play it safe and refer patients en masse.

But GP surgeries are the front line in the fight against cancer and the statistics do not lie: some patients are struggling to be heard.

In the 21st Century no one should be diagnosed too late to save their life – and if that means embarrassing a handful of GPs who really should be doing better, then so be it.