Urgent cancer referrals drop by almost half in Wales compared to last year

Urgent referrals for suspected cancer in Wales fell by almost half during May Credit: PA

Urgent referrals for suspected cancer in Wales fell by almost half during May, according to figures by cancer charity Macmillan.

The data shows the number of people in Wales who had a confirmed urgent referral for suspected cancer dropped to 5,679 in May 2020.

The figure is 47% lower than in May 2019, when 10,658 people had referrals.

Urgent suspected cancer referrals during lockdown

  • March: 7,041

  • April: 3,587

  • May: 5,678

The charity are warning many people will be diagnosed with cancer at a more advanced stage because of the disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic, including those who have yet to contact their GP during lockdown despite having symptoms.

Richard Pugh, Macmillan's Head of Partnerships in Wales, said: “It is shocking to see such a stark drop in people being urgently referred for suspected cancer in Wales during the coronavirus pandemic.

 “It gives us an insight into how many people in Wales could be living with undiagnosed, untreated cancer after not contacting their GP during the pandemic.

 “We are really worried services will struggle to cope when these people come forward, especially as many of them will have more advanced cancer because of their later diagnosis.

 “Macmillan wants to see a recovery plan for Welsh cancer services as lockdown eases to ensure people are seen, diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible so they get the best outcome.

 “Macmillan would urge anyone with a worrying symptom, such as a prolonged cough, a new lump or unexplained bleeding, to contact their GP at the earliest opportunity.”

Credit: PA

Macmillan warns that cancer services could struggle to cope as more people with cancer symptoms come forward in the coming weeks and months as lockdown eases further.

The Welsh Government say they are making plans to meet any increase in demand.