UP to a quarter of some cancers have been missed during the Covid crisis – with nearly 50,000 cases undiagnosed, warn campaigners.
Macmillan Cancer Support reported that the backlog of cancer care is large. “still to hit the NHS”.
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The disease has been reported to have been confirmed in 47,600 more Brits than it was pre-pandemic.
The charity warns that detection of prostate cancer is the most difficult.
England has 23% fewer diagnoses than expected. Multiple myeloma pick-up is down 14%, and breast cancer is down 12 percent.
Steven McIntosh (executive director of advocacy, communications, Macmillan Cancer Support) warns that there are serious threats to the NHS. “uphill battle”.
He stated, “Nearly 2 years after the pandemic began, there’s still an almost 50,000-strong mountain of people who have not been diagnosed with cancer.
“Cancer patients remain stuck waiting, not only are they not being treated quickly enough but also have to deal with the backlog that includes thousands of others who have yet to make their case.
“It has never been more crucial to boost NHS capacity to treat and support everybody with cancer, so people receive the critical care they need now and in the years to come.”
According to charity, it is “deeply concerned”How the services for patients diagnosed with cancer will be handled.
Already signs are being made that the “missing cases”Are coming forward in great numbers.
Experts predict that the NHS will have to operate at 110 percent capacity for the next year to address the backlog.
The pre-pandemic average for stage 4 breast carcinoma was 148.9% in February 2012.
There are more people diagnosed with cancer later than ever before, which means they may need more intensive treatment and support. This could potentially impact their survival chances.
Health bosses think many of the missed cases are due to Brits staying away from their GP during the peak of the pandemic for fear of catching Covid.
An NHS spokesperson said: “Throughout the pandemic cancer has been a priority for the NHS, and diagnosis and treatment numbers have been back at pre-pandemic levels since the spring, with record numbers of people being referred for investigation over the last six months.
“NHS staff have consistently gone above and beyond to support and care for patients, with 95 per cent of people starting treatment for cancer during the pandemic doing so within 31 days.
“It is important to emphasise that the NHS remains open and ready to care for you, so it’s vitally important that people experiencing cancer symptoms come forward and get checked.”
The 10 Signs You Must Never Neglect
There are hundreds of types of cancer.
While some symptoms are specific, there are a handful that are more general or seen most frequently in cancer patients.
These symptoms do not necessarily indicate that you have the disease.
It’s worth contacting your GP as soon possible.
1. Unexplained weight gain
The key is “unexplained”Weight loss – A disappearing beer belly, seemingly without any reason.
If you lose more than 10lbs in a short time, it could be a sign of cancer of the stomach, pancreas or lungs.
2. Unusual swellings and lumps
You should take any persistent lumps or swellings in any area of your body seriously.
This includes lumps in the neck and armpit, stomach, stomach, groin or breast.
Women should be extra vigilant and look for changes in their breasts, while men should check their balls regularly – this shouldn’t stop during the coronavirus pandemic.
3. Toxic cough
A persistent cough is not just a sign of Covid-19 – it could also be a symptom of cancer, especially if it doesn’t disappear after three or four weeks.
If you’re also short of breath and coughing up phlegm with signs of blood, it could be a sign of lung cancer.
4. Mole modifications
We all know moles can be a sign of skin cancer, but lots of us have no clue of the changes to watch out for.
Keep an eye out for new moles and any changes to the colour, shape or size of existing moles.
They should be examined if they appear to be crusty, bloody, or oozing liquid.
5. There is blood in your poo and pee
Blood in your poo is one of the red-flag warning signs of bowel cancer – the second deadliest cancer in the UK.
You should combine this with changing your toilet habits, such as going to the bathroom more often, having more constipation or any other unusual behavior, and you will be ready to have your health checked.
It could indicate bladder cancer or kidney cancer if you find blood in your urine.
6. Pee problems
Alarm bells should be rung if you notice a leaking habit, a need to urinate, or are experiencing a panic attack, leaking, a severe urge, or wake up feeling like you’re going crazy, and if your pee is not coming in, it is likely that you have an infection.
It could be a sign of prostate cancer in men. Although it rarely causes symptoms, it can cause lower back pain, pain around the pelvis, and pain in the hips, pelvis, or pelvis.
Unexplained or irregular vaginal bleeding should also be considered by women “spotting”Between periods, after having sex, and after the menopause.
7. Unexplained pain
Unexplained pain or pain that is intermittent, lasting for more than four weeks or persisting for longer periods of time, are warning signs.
Cancer Research says that the majority of cancer pain is caused due to the tumour pressing on bone, nerves, and other organs.
8. Heartburn
You should seek medical attention if you are experiencing heartburn symptoms that persist or worsen over time.
It could be a sign or stomach or throat cancer.
9. Difficulties in swallowing
You should contact your GP if you feel that food keeps sticking to your teeth, making it painful or uncomfortable to eat.
It is especially common in cases of oesophageal carcinoma.
10. Heavy night sweats
Night sweats may be an early sign that you have a variety of cancers.
The most common type of cancer associated with night sweats is lymphoma.
This is a type cancer that forms in your lymphatic system. It’s a network made up of vessels and glands distributed throughout your body.
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