Charity fears cancer could be ‘forgotten’
A leading charity has warned of the potential cancer “time bomb” created by the continuing coronavirus pandemic.
Macmillan issued the stark claim, saying it feared the disease would become the “forgotten C”.
And it comes as official figures show the number of people dying from cancer in Scotland is already five per cent higher than average since the Covid-19 lockdown began.
Now the charity is calling on the Scottish Government to set out clear plans for restoring cancer care.
Janice Malone, from Macmillan, said: “People with cancer need answers on when their treatment will restart and how it will do so safely.
“We also need to know when screening will get back up and running and how the government plans to counteract the significant drop in urgent GP referrals.
“Cancer can’t be allowed to become the forgotten C.
“We urgently need a plan from the government that sets out how it will get the cancer care system back up and running and how those who missed tests, diagnoses and treatments will be prioritised.”
The charity says the Covid-19 pandemic has caused huge disruption to cancer care across Scotland, affecting diagnosis, treatment, and care for tens of thousands of people.
That has created fears of a possible increase in the number of people dying from cancer caused by a predicted build-up of those waiting for treatment, together with fewer people being seen for suspected cancer due to the coronavirus.
Macmillan’s analysis and the Scottish Government’s own figures suggest almost 600 cancers will have gone undiagnosed if screening, paused on March 30, doesn’t resume.
Last month the government said urgent referrals had improved – but were still nearly 50 per cent lower than normal.
Macmillan say it has seen a rise in demand for a number of its services and has launched new virtual ones to prevent people with cancer from falling through the cracks.
However, facing an income loss of up to 50 per cent for this year, the charity is now appealing to the public for funds.
To join Macmillan’s campaign, or make a donation to its emergency fundraising appeal, visit macmillan.org.uk.