Affected by the delay of cancer screening and treatment?

The BBC Today programme had a representative of a charity in cancer support this morning (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m000mzqt , 30/09/20, time: 1:50:45). Related information is also contained in the article “Breast screening: One million women in UK may have missed scans”, BBC News site (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-54351262).

We are facing a resurgence of the virus now, and this prospect is obviously worrying millions of people who are currently expecting cancer tests, or who are afraid that their treatment and surgery may be postponed again.

What can these patients do? Can anything be done?

The uncertainties involved by Covit-19 may continue for a while as the trials testing vaccination and other treatments to alleviate its impact are still uncertain.

Patients are aware that cancer and other illnesses make them particularly vulnerable to infections and viruses. Therefore, many of them preferred to postpone their screening and other interventions during the first wave of the pandemic earlier in the year.

What it is now clear is that despite of the risks of the virus, one can take measures to protect ourselves. In addition to the indications regarding distancing, use of masks and maintaining our hands clean at all times, other measures can be put into place by these patients. To avoid the impact of the virus, patients should talk to their GPs or specialist nurses as soon as possible. GPs and nurses may be able to organise appointments in surgeries, cancer centres and in hospitals with some level of priority, but also taking into consideration safeguarding measures such as minimising waiting times, reserved safe areas for cancer patients, appointments at less congested times, etc.

If a patient is worried about their illness or the continuation of their treatment between now and the end of winter time, he/she must talk to the GP or to the oncologist nurse to “make a plan of action” which could guide an acceptable course of action offsetting, as much is possible, the impact of further isolation and restrictive measures.

Do not delay your tests, examinations or treatment. Prepare for what may happen in advance, and agree how to respond with the corresponding relevant people and services. The NHS will be happy to help and will appreciate your preparation and proactive approach.

Getting ready will help patients to feel more confident, more relaxed and competent to deal with the illness throughout these difficult times.