Half of people showing signs of cancer delayed seeking a test during first lockdown

Half of those who suffered cancer symptoms during the first lockdown delayed getting checked amid fears of over-burdening the NHS, a study shows.

The survey of 7,543 found 40 per cent had at least one potential symptom between March and August, and of these 45 per cent did not contact their GP.

Potential cancer symptoms include coughing up blood, unexplained lumps and changes in appearance of a mole.

The study was a collaboration between Cancer Research UK and Cardiff University, where health psychologist Professor Kate Brain said ‘stay home’ lockdown messaging also ‘sent a strong message to the public that cancer can wait’.

The survey of 7,543 people by Cancer Research UK and Cardiff University found 40 per cent had at least one potential symptom between March and August, and of these 45 per cent did not contact their GP (stock photo)

Cancer Research UK’s Michelle Mitchell said: ‘It’s vital people don’t delay contacting their GP if they notice any unusual changes to their body.’ 

The grim warning comes days after MPs wrote to Boris Johnson warning Britain was facing a ‘cancer disaster’.

The group of 75 cross-party politicians said 100,000 people could miss out on cancer treatment due to the pandemic, with many dying unnecessarily.

Experts called for a concerted effort to remind the public that NHS services are open safely.

Professor Kate Brain, a health psychologist from Cardiff University’s School of Medicine, said people had ‘put their health concerns on hold to protect the NHS’.

Potential cancer symptoms include coughing up blood, unexplained lumps and changes in appearance of a mole (stock photo, a woman checks herself for an unexplained lump)

She said: ‘From the early data we collected after the first lockdown we can see that the Covid-19 pandemic has affected public attitudes to seeking help for signs and symptoms of cancer which may translate into delayed referrals, missed tests and later-stage diagnosis.

‘This suggests the Government’s message to “stay home, protect the NHS, save lives” – which was intended to control the spread of Covid-19 – also sent a strong message to the public that cancer can wait.

‘While we recognise that measures to control the spread of Covid-19 are essential, we also need to send a strong and clear message that cancer cannot wait, that people should contact their GP with any unusual or persistent symptoms and that NHS services are open safely.’