The health service also said that the number of patients receiving treatment for cancer has increased by about 2,000 since the outbreak of COVID. Meanwhile, suspected cancer referrals remained at about 116% of pre-pandemic levels even during the peak of the Omicron wave, rising from a total of 2.4 million to 2,657,316. Data from the NHS England and the NHS Improvement also revealed that approximately 315,000 patients started treatment compared to 313,000 before the pandemic. Some 30,000 people have not yet started treatment because of the COVID crisis, according to Dame Cally Palmer, NHS England National Cancer Director, but the latest figures suggest progress. He said: “We are moving further and faster than ever in our ambitions to diagnose more cancers at an early stage so that we can save more lives. “We have seen record numbers of people coming in for tests over the last year, but we know there are still at least 30,000 who have not started treatment for the pandemic, so it is vital that we keep these referral rates high.” The NHS said it has expanded the diagnostic capabilities of its services across the country in a number of ways – including facilities such as a one-stop test shop, mobile clinics and cancer line hotlines to ensure people are diagnosed and treated as as early as possible. Professor Peter Johnson, NHS England National Cancer Director, said: “We know the pandemic meant we saw fewer patients at first, but in the last year GPs have referred people to record numbers and worked hard to do so. certain people with disturbing symptoms can be seen. “The NHS has continued to prioritize cancer care throughout the pandemic,” he said. Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:22 Ireland prepares for new cancer treatment MEPs have previously warned that COVID-related NHS disorder would mean that more people would not be diagnosed with cancer until it reached a later stage – when it is more difficult to treat. The Committee on Health and Social Welfare said in a report earlier this month that three million fewer people in the UK were invited for cancer screening between March and September 2020. And less than 326,000 people in England received an urgent referral for suspected cancer between March 2020 and March 2021. The commission added that there had been several cancellations of vital cancer treatments during the Omicron wave, indicating that “the NHS still does not have access to adequate COVID-free treatment capacity to protect treatments and address delays”. said the deputies. Welcoming the recent increase in referrals, charities have warned of the “catastrophic” impact of the pandemic on cancer care and urged the government to address the “chronic” problem of understaffing the NHS in its 10-year cancer plan. Figure: NHS data reveal that approximately 315,000 patients started treatment compared to 313,000 before the pandemic Minesh Patel, head of policy at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “It is reassuring to see record numbers of people with cancer symptoms for these life-saving tests. “However, people living with cancer often miss out on critical care as a result of chronic NHS understaffing. “In order to avoid further pressure on workers’ doctors and nurses, it is vital that the government include steps in the next 10-year cancer plan to increase the number of cancer professionals so that people living with cancer can receive quality and timely care that they desperately need ”. Ian Walker, executive director of policy, information and communications at Cancer Research UK, reiterated that the NHS staff’s efforts are “vital in strengthening the government’s next 10-year plan for cancer”. Health Minister Sajid Javid said: “The pandemic has put unprecedented pressure on the NHS and it is good to see more people coming in for treatment and a record number of people being screened for cancer. “Our next 10-year cancer plan that will lead Europe to cancer care, together with our record investment in reducing waiting time and introducing a health and social care contribution, will help us continue to our mission to address COVID delays “.
