Expected delayed cancer diagnoses due to coronavirus

Cancer Research UK have stated that with many standard screening programmes having been put on hold, around 200,000 people per week are missing out on screenings.

Delays in cancer diagnosis

In addition to screenings being on hold, GPs are reporting a drop in the number of patients reporting symptoms of cancer to them. While it is understandable that people do not want to add to the burden of the NHS, it is accepted that other health issues will continue to present themselves.

Jason Brady of Blackwater Law medical negligence solicitors said this:

“While the current coronavirus pandemic is understandably affecting NHS services, these figures are concerning as early diagnosis is so important in the successful treatment of cancer. Unfortunately, we regularly see the effect that a delayed diagnosis can have on a patient and their families, and so we urge anyone who has symptoms to contact their GP or relevant medical professional immediately.”

Delays in cancer treatment

Many cancer treatments are also on hold, in part due to the many numbers of NHS staff who are rightly self-isolating. However, it has also been advised by the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, that some cancer treatments should not go ahead, due to the risks of contracting coronavirus – both the risk from visiting hospital, and the risk posed by the lowered immunity of cancer patients are concerns.

Delayed diagnosis solicitors

Blackwater Law are specialists in delayed diagnosis, and unfortunately, it appears that the coronavirus pandemic will have an enormous impact on diagnostics of other conditions. If you or a member of your family have been affected by a delay in diagnosis, whether it has been caused by the coronavirus pandemic or something else, then please contact our specialist medical negligence solicitors for free initial advice.