Cancer patients across the country are more worried than ever about their chances of survival as the pandemic causes more delays and cancellations to diagnostic tests, surgery and other procedures, a charity has warned.
Macmillan Cancer Support said that patients are going through the ‘worst possible Groundhog Day’ as the crisis is leaving them facing rising anxiety, further disruption to care, and the disconcerting experience of going through diagnosis and treatment alone.
The charity said its research shows that more than a third (40%) of those receiving treatment in the UK in the run-up to the current lockdown — over 100,000 people — were worried that disruption caused by the coronavirus could be reducing the likelihood of their treatment being successful or, at worst, risk shortening their lives compared to around a quarter (28%) back in June.
The charity’s research also shows almost one in five (19%) people with cancer have been left feeling depressed because of Covid-19, compared to one in six (16%) in June.
A quarter (24%) even feel they will not be able to return to normal activities until there are no new cases of the virus being reported.
Macmillan estimates that around a quarter of a million people with cancer in the UK will be having to shield in the latest wave of the virus, with some having done so since the pandemic began.
Meanwhile, at least 150,000 people have been newly diagnosed with cancer in the UK since March, with many having to hear the news for the first time with no one by their side, due to Covid-19 restrictions.
A spokesperson for the charity said that it offers round-the-clock support for patients, including a phoneline where specially-trained cancer nurses and counsellors are there for anyone affected by or worried about cancer. It also has an online forum with over 90,000 members. The charity is also reminding anyone worried about cancer symptoms to contact their GP as an absolute priority.
Macmillan’s chief executive Lynda Thomas said it is “an acutely challenging time” for people with cancer, the NHS and cancer care.
Thomas said: “Macmillan is here to do whatever it takes at a time when the NHS is understandably struggling. We know that some treatment is being disrupted but healthcare professionals are doing everything they can to keep cancer care on track, and GPs are open if anyone is worried about possible cancer symptoms. We want people to know that Macmillan and the NHS are still here for you.”