New campaign urges people to see their GPs if they think they have cancer symptoms

Credit: PA

People are being urged to see their GPs and not be put off seeking help if they believe they have symptoms of cancer.

The Welsh Government says services are available and people shouldn't leave it too late.

It comes as experts at the South West Wales Cancer Centre at Singleton Hospital say there has been a two-thirds reduction in referrals due to the pandemic.

Last April, there were 1,218 referrals across all cancer specialities. By April this year, that had fallen to just 409.

Lung cancer referrals, for example, went from 24 to just five.

Health Minister Vaughan Gething said: "We know that many people have been avoiding their GP surgery or hospital due to Covid but tests and treatment for cancer are available and I want those who need to seek care and treatment to continue to do so.

"Services will look different, with some appointments being done remotely and if you do need to be seen in person then clinicians may be wearing protective equipment.

"We have worked hard with the NHS to ensure cancer services can continue but the pandemic has had an impact on services. That doesn't mean the NHS isn't there for you but it does mean care and treatment has had to adapt to being delivered in a world with Covid."

Steve Ham, Chief Executive on Velindre NHS Trust said the virus has "proved extremely challenging."

Meanwhile, Public Health Wales has announced plans to resume cancer screening programmes, starting with cervical screening in July.

The move follows an announcement in March of a pause in invitations for screening programmes due to the coronavirus.