NI cancer treatment backlog growing at 'alarming rate'

by Q Radio News

The number of cancer patients being kept waiting for treatment here because of the pandemic could grow by 175 every month. 

A new report by Macmillan Cancer Support shows 20% less people started treatment in June - compared to the previous 2019. 

It also reveals that there were around 1,000 fewer diagnoses made here between March and July. 

'The Forgotten C' details the impact of the backlog of diagnoses and care during the first wave of the pandemic.

The charity's head of policy Kate Seymour wants the health minister to ringfence services during the second wave of Covid19. 

She said: "While the Minister for Health has published a number of plans and identified investment to address the alarming impact of the pandemic on cancer services, we need a firm commitment that lessons have been learned from the first stage of the pandemic.

"As Covid-19 continues to surge, everything possible must be done to ensure that cancer services are ring-fenced and people have access to the care they need, when they need it.”

Yvonne McGivern is a GP based in Dromara and Macmillan Primary Care Director for the NI Cancer Network. She said it is critical anyone with symptoms visits their doctor.

Yvonne said, “If you regularly experience any of these symptoms, it is important that you see your doctor and have your symptoms checked out.

“GP surgeries are open and we are holding consultations by telephone and video calls, so I urge people not to wait - contact your GP immediately. If we need to see people face-to-face, robust infection control procedures are in place to reduce the risk of spread of the virus.

“It’s a worrying time for everyone and we understand that people are fearful about contracting Covid-19. I know of people being reluctant to attend hospital appointments. Some people haven’t been returning samples such as bowel samples (FIT) for testing. People are putting their health concerns on hold. The earlier a cancer is detected, the better the chances of successful treatment”.

Anyone worried about delays to treatment or diagnosis can call the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, which is open 7 days a week, 8am-8pm.