2,000 cancers undiagnosed every week in coronavirus lockdown are ‘ticking time bomb’, charity warns

THOUSANDS of cancer diagnoses are being delayed each week due to the coronavirus lockdown, a charity has warned today.

Nearly 2,000 cancer cases are going undiagnosed every week, prompting warnings of a “ticking time bomb” that could lead to a surge in deaths across the UK.

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So far in the UK, coronavirus has claimed the lives of more than 37,000 people.

Now, new research from Macmillan Cancer Support has warned of an increase in deaths caused by cancer, as treatment plans continue to be pushed back due to the pandemic.

Last month it was reported that cancer referrals were down by 80 per cent and Macmillan found that postponed or cancelled appointments could mean 1,900 patients a week are not being diagnosed.

Research from University College London also suggested that hospitals have seen a drop of 60 per cent in those with scheduled chemotherapy appointments.

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A survey by the charity found that half of patients have had their treatment cancelled, changed or delayed because of the pandemic.

Macmillan's research found there were 500 more cancer deaths than usual in March and April this year in England and Wales.

And in Scotland official figures show the number of people dying from cancer is already 5 per cent higher than average since the UK lockdown began.

Steven McIntosh, Macmillan's director of policy campaigns and influencing said there has been a “worrying drop” in the amount of people coming forward with suspected cancer symptoms.

“We estimate that disruptions to GP referrals – screening programmes – could mean as many as 1,900 cases of cancer a week are currently going undiagnosed.

“That’s why we’re warning that the size of this ticking time bomb is deeply worrying for people who are living with cancer but also for storing up huge problems for the NHS in trying to diagnose and treat cancer, when we have also seen significant disruption to cancer surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.”

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The charity has called on the government to set out a clear pathway as to how it will restore cancer care.

It claims the government will need to explain to patients how they are able to access treatment and added that extra capacity would be needed to catch up on the backlog caused by Covid-19.

The charity said it was “deeply concerned” about the impact the pandemic would have on the progress it has made on improving cancer care in the UK.

“In both the public’s willingness to come forward with symptoms because they’re nervous about the medical system, and in the risk of disruption to treatment and cancer surgery.

"That’s why it’s so important that we send out a strong message to the public – you’ve got to come forward with cancer symptoms – and that governments demonstrate we have cancer care back on track, being delivered safely.

"We need to catch up with treatment so we don’t see a serious spike in cancer deaths and we prevent people living in fear of both coronavirus and undiagnosed cancer."

RISE IN DEMAND

Despite the pandemic the charity has launched a number of helpful resources on its website to help those who have been diagnosed with cancer get through the pandemic.

It has seen a huge rise in demand for its new virtual services but said it is facing a loss on income of up to 50 per cent this year as fundraisers and other initiatives have been forced to come to a halt.

The charity has launched an emergency appeal and a “forgotten C” campaign in order to stop cancer treatment going under the radar during the pandemic.

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A spokesperson for the NHS said: “Vital tests and treatments are going ahead in a safe way for thousands of patients, including by introducing Covid-protected cancer hubs and almost 30,000 people began treatment in March – the highest monthly number on record.

“The NHS has now set out guidance so that hospitals can further increase the number of cancer tests and treatments they carry out, as well as having the extra capacity to treat future coronavirus patients, so our message to anyone worried about symptoms is: help us help you, and seek help as you always would.”