Nearly three million people receive lifesaving NHS cancer checks
pharmafile | May 5, 2022 | News story | Business Services |
A record three million people received vital NHS cancer tests from March 2021 to February 2022, compared to 2.4 million people referred before the pandemic, data has revealed.
Even at the peak of the Omicron wave, referrals for suspected cancer were at 116 percent of pre-pandemic levels, with around 11,000 people getting checked every day. According to the statement, 315,000 patients started treatment for cancer, compared to 313,000 before the pandemic.
More than 30,000 people every month are being invited for lung cancer checks throgh NHS mobile trucks visiting at-risk communities across the country.
Dame Cally Palmer, national cancer director for NHS England, said: “We have seen record numbers of people coming forward for checks in the last year, but we know there are still at least 30,000 who haven’t started treatment due to the pandemic, so it’s vital that we keep these referral rates high.
“While we know this can’t happen overnight, we’re investing in extra diagnostic and treatment capacity to meet increasing demand.”
Professor Peter Johnson, NHS England national clinical director for cancer, added: “It’s vital people continue to come forward, so if you have a sign or symptom that you’re worried about, such as a persistent cough that is not Covid, or prolonged discomfort in the abdomen, please come forward – getting checked out could save your life”.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid commented: “Our upcoming 10-year cancer plan that will lead Europe in cancer care, along with our record investment to cut waiting times and the introduction of the health and social care levy, will help us continue our mission to tackle the COVID-19 backlogs.”
Lina Adams
