Half cancer patients delayed visit to their GP because of pandemic

ALMOST half of people experiencing cancer symptoms did not visit their GP in the first wave of the pandemic, even when coughing up blood, research shows.

Many delayed seeking help because they were worried about wasting the time of doctors and putting additional strain on the NHS while some were afraid of catching the virus.

But there is now growing concern that many people have harmed their chances of survival by not seeking help for life-threatening conditions.

A survey of 7,543 adults carried out between March and August last year found 40 per cent reported at least one cancer symptom during that time.

Yet of those with symptoms, 44.8 per cent said they had not contacted their GP, even for red flag findings such as an unexplained lump or swelling, a change in the appearance of a mole, or coughing up blood.

Principal investigator Prof Kate Brain, a health psychologist from Cardiff

University’s school of medicine, said people had “put their health concerns on hold to protect the NHS”.

“From the early data we collected after the first lockdown we can see that the Covid-19 pandemic has affected public attitudes to seeking help for signs and symptoms of cancer which may translate into delayed referrals, missed tests and later-stage diagnosis,” she said.

“This suggests the Government’s message to ‘stay home, protect the NHS, save lives’ which was intended to control

the spread of Covid-19, also sent a strong message to the public that cancer can wait.

“While we recognise that measures to control the spread of Covid-19 are essential, we also need to send a strong and clear message that cancer cannot wait, that people should contact their GP with any unusual or persistent symptoms and that NHS services are open safely.”

Charities are calling for a campaign to highlight that the NHS is open for other conditions as well as Covid-19.

Michelle Mitchell, Cancer Research UK’S chief executive, said: “Catching cancer at an early stage gives the best possible chance of surviving the disease so we’re extremely concerned people have put off seeking help even if this was for the best of intentions.

“Worryingly we don’t yet know what the pandemic’s long-term impact on cancer stage and survival will be, so it’s vital people don’t delay contacting their GP if they notice any unusual changes to their body.

“NHS staff have already worked incredibly hard … but the Government must protect cancer services if we’re to avoid the real possibility that cancer survival could go backwards for the first time in decades.”