Clinicians and charities urge PM to protect cancer patients during pandemic

by Q Radio News

A group of 50 charities and leading clinicians has written to the Prime Minister, urging him to protect cancer patients during the coronavirus pandemic.

It comes amid the second wave of the virus. Many people have faced delays in operations and treatment during the pandemic.

Cancer Focus NI is one of the charities to have signed the letter. It's asked Boris Johnson to give a 'firm commitment' that diagnosis, treatment and clinical trials will be carried out without delay.

The charity has also called for 'safe spaces' for patients, more frequent testing for NHS staff and for private hospitals to be on stand-by.

“We are deeply concerned about late diagnosis, paused treatment and the heightened stress and anxiety that Covid-19 has brought. Those who have already been diagnosed are fearful that their condition will worsen and require more complex treatment if their treatment is delayed.

“There will be an inevitable backlog and wave of later stage diagnoses creating further pressure on our health system, as those diagnosed at a later stage often need more intensive and often more expensive treatment compared to those diagnosed at an early stage.

“As COVID-19 cases rise we've joined forces with other leaders in the cancer sector to demand that there are no further delays to essential cancer tests and treatments.”

Other charities that have signed include Cancer Research UK, Prostate Cancer UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, Brain Tumour Research, Ovarian Cancer Action and the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Backing came from top clinicians such as Professor Peter Selby, of the Association of Cancer Physicians, and Dr Jeanette Dickson, President of The Royal College of Radiologists.

The letter, also sent to the First Ministers of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, states: "People affected by cancer have suffered terribly as a result of this pandemic.

"We’re asking you to act to uphold your ambition to improve cancer survival across our four nations."

The letter includes: "Covid-19 has made the challenge ahead tougher. Millions were left waiting for screening and thousands went without a referral for tests.

"Over 30,000 fewer people started their treatment and most cancer clinical trials were paused. NHS staff have worked tirelessly to give the best care possible, and the situation is improving, but they need more support."