Macmillan Cancer Support says that new cancer waiting times figures released this morning by NHS England reveal how the coronavirus pandemic continues to cause severe disruption with serious implications for cancer care in the capital.

The number of people in London being seen by a specialist for suspected cancer following an urgent referral by their GP was around 26,700 in August 2020. This is around 6,400 fewer people than the same time last year – a drop of 19%. In England the drop is not as acute at 15%.

The number of Londoners starting treatment for cancer in August 2020 was around 2,400. In the same period last year, the figure was over 3,000, which means that the number of Londoners starting treatment is nearly 800 lower than we would have expected – a drop of 25%[v]. Across England, the drop is less extreme (22%).

The number of people in the capital starting treatment for cancer following urgent GP referral for suspected cancer is 1,212 in August 2020 whereas in August 2019, the number was 1,656, which means that the number of people starting treatment is more than 400 lower than we would have expected – a drop of 27%. In England, the equivalent drop is less critical at 18%.

In addition, the number of people across London starting treatment for cancer following a cancer screening appointment dropped to just 34 in August 2020 –81% fewer people than in August last year[ix]. England’s corresponding drop was 82%.

Finally, the A&E numbers also released today are also of concern. In September 2020, there were around 65,000 emergency admissions for all causes (not just cancer) across all London hospitals, which signals a 12% drop on the monthly average for 2019. Under normal circumstances, we would expect around 1 in 5 (23%) cancer diagnoses in London to take place following an emergency presentation, and cancer patients in England to have an average of 3 emergency admissions in their last year of life.

Although the figures show signs of improvement on those for June and July, thousands of Londoners with cancer or with cancer symptoms may have faced disruption to their tests or treatment, worrying about the long-term implications for their health, their families and their future.

Sara Bainbridge, Head of Policy at Macmillan Cancer Support, said:

“Disruption to cancer diagnosis and treatment is having a traumatic impact on cancer patients’ lives. Today’s data shows that, six months from the start of the pandemic, there are still thousands fewer people being tested or treated for cancer than this time last year, meaning that the backlog of patients continues to grow. The implications of this are extremely worrying.

“Earlier this week, the Health Secretary highlighted growing fears that rapidly rising Covid-19 rates could have an impact on the recovery of already fragile cancer services. Cancer must not become the ‘forgotten C’ during this pandemic. It is critical the Government urgently puts plans and resources in place to increase capacity and protect the NHS from further disruption as we stare down the barrel of a second wave.”

Emma Tingley, Macmillan Strategic Partnerships Manager for London, adds:

“Cancer services in London seem to have been hit harder on average than England. We urge anyone with cancer symptoms to contact their GP to limit the potential long-term impact of a delay in diagnosis.”

During the pandemic, Macmillan continues supporting people with cancer and gives them practical, emotional and financial help. We rely entirely on public donations and our income has dropped significantly. To donate to Macmillan Cancer Support’s emergency appeal please go to: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/emergency or call 0300 1000 200.