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NHS waiting times data from April 2020 shows:
Baroness Delyth Morgan, Chief Executive at Breast Cancer Now, the research and care charity, said:
"These hugely concerning figures are the first signs of the potentially devastating impact of the coronavirus outbreak on the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Our fears following the height of the pandemic are now unfortunately being confirmed with such a major drop in the numbers of people being referred by their GP in only the space of a month.
“Whilst we understand that the number of people being referred is starting to recover, we are some way from the figures returning to what we would normally expect to see. It’s vital women continue to check their breasts regularly and know that they can and should get in touch with their GP surgery urgently if they notice any unusual change in their breasts. While most breast changes won’t be cancer the earlier breast cancer is diagnosed, the more likely treatment is to be successful.
“We now urge the Government and NHS to focus their attention on the recovery of cancer services and ensure that cancer diagnostics and treatment can return to pre-pandemic levels as soon as possible. This includes ensuring that anyone whose appointment to see a specialist has been delayed is monitored and followed up. But to catch-up on the backlog, we also need to see plans to ensure there will be sufficient capacity in the workforce to meet this huge influx in demand. Combined with the suspension of the breast screening programme in many areas, we are really concerned about the pent-up demand for both diagnostics and treatment that these low figures suggest.
“It is also clear that these worrying issues are not limited to the early detection of cancer alone. As cancer catch-up strategies for the next stage of the pandemic are developed, it is essential that the often-forgotten needs of patients with incurable secondary breast cancer are recognised and addressed. Without clear plans to restore treatment, services and trials as soon as it is safe and feasible to do so, thousands of people with advanced cancer could miss out on precious extra time with their loved ones.”
ENDS