500k cancer sufferers ‘afraid to leave house’
HALF a million people with cancer in the UK are afraid to the leave the house due to the threat of coronavirus, a survey suggests.
Macmillan Cancer Support is warning of the devastating impact the virus is having on the physical and mental health of people facing both cancer and Covid-19 at the same time.
Research from the charity suggests that 19% of cancer sufferers in the UK - around 570,000 people - have barely left the house because they are scared to do so, while 9% around 270,000 people - have experienced panic or anxiety attacks or even suicidal thoughts because of the virus.
One in five (20%) of those who have not left the house at all since the start of lockdown around 90,000 people in the UK say they will not feel safe enough to do so until a vaccine or effective treatment is widely available, irrespective of changes to recent government shielding guidance.
The study involved 2,202 adults with a previous cancer diagnosis, and was undertaken between June 2 and June 15.
The findings suggest that one in seven (14%) has experienced a decline in their physical health during lockdown, including sleep problems (10%), fatigue or extreme tiredness (9%), or pain (5%).
Almost half of people with cancer in the UK (49%) have not taken any outdoor exercise at all, the results suggested.
Lynda Thomas, chief executive of Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “For many people it is more frightening to be diagnosed with cancer now than during any other time in recent history.
“On top of the impact of a cancer diagnosis, patients now feel lost in lockdown.
“They are having to contend with the two potentially deadly Cs all at once, including uncertainty around treatment, shielding restrictions and isolation from loved ones, as well as concerns about their increased risk of contracting the virus.
“We’re doing everything we can to be there for people with cancer and want to encourage anyone who is struggling with the emotional and physical impacts of lockdown to get in touch with the Macmillan support line.
Macmillan’s Telephone Buddies scheme matches volunteers with cancer patients so they can arrange to have regular chats with someone about what they’re going through.
It has also launched an emergency fundraising appeal in a bid to ensure it can continue to fund services.
working closely with a number of agencies, including the Welsh Government and local councils.
The officer said: “A strong partnership approach is crucial if we are to keep communities safe and ensure the public’s quality of life is not negatively impacted by the selfish actions of a minority.
“Communities can expect to see an increased police presence in some areas and those found to be breaking the law through antisocial or violent behaviour will be dealt with robustly.”
Over the border, police in London had to disperse crowds causing “significant disruptions” at two unlicensed music events in south London on Saturday night, while the Liver Building in Liverpool was set on fire on Friday as fans gathered to celebrate Liverpool FC’s Premier League title win.
The officers in Liverpool were subjected to “violent confrontations”, while dozens of Metropolitan Police officers were injured in aggressive scenes as they attempted to shut down latenight parties in Brixton on Wednesday evening and in Notting Hill on Thursday.
Ms Patel, speaking to Sky News’ Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme, said: “What we’ve seen with mass gatherings and protests is unacceptable.
“The violence we’ve seen against our officers is also unacceptable.
“My message is the same: I would urge people not to participate in gatherings of that nature or protests, but I would also add that if people do assault police officers, they will feel the full force of the law.
“It is simply unacceptable to have people gathering in these awful ways that we have been seeing.”
She also confirmed reports that Leicester faced becoming the first area to have a local lockdown imposed following a surge in infections.
We will not be able to continue easing restrictions if scenes like [Ogmore] continue to happen First Minister Mark Drakeford