Thousands missing out on cancer care
THE scale of the pandemic cancer crisis has been laid bare by new figures showing tens of thousands of patients have missed out on crucial treatment.
More than 41,000 fewer patients started therapy between April and December compared to the same period in 2019 – a 16 per cent drop.
Cancer Research UK (CRUK) revealed the estimate as GPs raised alarm at a dramatic fall in the number of older adults coming forward with telltale symptoms.
And, in a chilling warning, the charity said the nation faces the risk that “cancer survival could go backwards for the first time in decades”.
Writing in the Daily Express today, CRUK chief executive Michelle Mitchell says: “Finding cancer at an early stage gives the best possible chance of surviving, so we’re extremely concerned that GPs have been hearing less from older adults with symptoms.
“They are most at risk. It’s vital people don’t delay contacting their GP if they notice any unusual changes to their body.”
The disturbing figure is largely driven by a drop in those diagnosed with cancer last year – blamed on fewer people coming forward.
Polling for the charity last month found 54 per cent of GPs said they were worried older adults were still not contacting them with symptoms compared with before the pandemic. It has been a consistent concern since the summer. When asked the same question in November, 63 per cent said they were concerned.
In September the figure was 53 per cent, in August 60 per cent and in July 54 per cent.
Age is the biggest risk for cancer and every year more than one third of all cases are confirmed in people aged 75 and over.
Cancer kills 165,000 in Britain and around 367,000 are diagnosed – equal to 1,000 a day – every year.
The backlog of patients who have been waiting more than 100 days for treatment more than doubled since last year. At the start of February, the backlog of cases at more than 15 weeks had reached 6,109, compared to 3,000 at the same point in 2020.
National targets state patients should be treated within 62 days of being referred.
It is thought three million people in the UK have missed cancer screenings as a result of Covid.
Daily Express columnist Professor Karol Sikora, former director of the WHO
Cancer Programme, said: “The Government’s ‘stay home’ message has been brutally effective. Reducing unnecessary social contact has been required, but the intensity of the message has meant many people are literally too terrified to leave their homes. “GPs know their communities better than most and the severe negative consequences will be obvious to them. “We now urgently need concerted Government effort to encourage people to seek medical
help. Let’s start with a dedicated press conference on this vital issue.”
Cancer-stricken mum Benita UysWright, 38, has waited more than a year for a hysterectomy. She was due to have the procedure last February but it was delayed and she still does not have a date.
This is two and a half years after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
Benita, who works for CRUK, discovered a lump by chance after her daughter jumped on her, leaving her in agony.
She said: “The pain led me to find a lump and deep down I knew something was wrong.
“I visited my GP who referred me to hospital where I had a biopsy and a test for the BRCA2 gene mutation.”
Many women who have the gene – including Hollywood star Angelina Jolie – elect to have a hysterectomy in addition to a mastectomy to remove the risk of developing ovarian cancer as well.
Benita added: “I tested positive for the mutation. Further investigation also found another lump underneath the breast tissue and abnormality in the lymph nodes under my armpit. One was cancerous. I had a double mastectomy with removal of one lymph node.”
After surgery Benita, who lives with husband Doug, 41, and children Harrison, seven, and Ophelia, four, in Horsham, West Sussex, had chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
She was also part of trials looking at ovary abnormalities, prevention of breast cancer returning, removal of lymph nodes and life post-surgery. But funding has since been pulled.
CRUK was forced to slash research funding by £45million before Christmas on top of a previous £90million cost-cutting programme, resulting in dozens of potentially life-saving projects being shelved.
And the Daily Express revealed last week that DIY cervical swab kits are being trialled in London due to test delays. Professor Peter Johnson, NHS national clinical director for cancer, said: “Home kits give thousands of women another option to keep up to date with screening.”