Cancer patients fear that delays will kill

FOUR in ten cancer patients fear the disruption caused by Covid could slash their survival chances, a study has found.

Macmillan Cancer Support said delays to treatment and the cancellation of surgery were having a catastrophic impact on their wellbeing.

A survey found that 40 per cent of those being treated in the run-up to the current lockdown were worried that disruption could reduce the success of treatment. This compared to just 28 per cent in June.

More than 100,000 people in the UK are having cancer treatment.

Every four-week delay in cancer treatment can lead to a 10 per cent reduction in a survival chances.

The research also shows almost one in five people with cancer have become depressed because of Covid, with some too scared to go out because they feel so vulnerable. The figures come as thousands of patients face delays to their cancer surgery because hospitals are full with Covid-19 patients. Last week, the NHS triggered a clause allowing it to take over private hospitals to maintain cancer surgery.

NHS waiting lists have hit a record high due during the pandemic.

Macmillan said at least 150,000 people have been newly diagnosed with cancer since March – but tens of thousands more have not had a diagnosis they would otherwise have received because of the pandemic.

Spokesman Chris Payne said: ‘People are really struggling. For many, this pandemic feels like the worst possible Groundhog Day.’