Coronavirus crisis could trigger a cancer epidemic affecting millions, expert warns

Queen's University's Professor Mark Lawler said there is a risk of a future cancer epidemic.

"We are already seeing the indirect effects of the Covid-19 crisis on cancer care," he said.

"Urgent referral numbers are dropping, endoscopies and other surgical procedures are being postponed and many cancer specialists are being redirected to Covid-19 specific care.

"If we don't act, we risk the unintended consequence of the current Covid-19 pandemic precipitating a future cancer epidemic."

If we don't act, we risk the unintended consequence of the current Covid-19 pandemic precipitating a future cancer epidemic

Professor Mark LawlerQueen's University Belfast

He added: "We must encourage cancer patients, or citizens who are worried that they may have cancer symptoms, to continue to access health systems and we must ensure that those health systems are fit for purpose to support them.

"Cancer must be firmly in our cross wires, so that we avoid adding the lost lives of cancer patients to the Covid-19 death toll."

The research also highlights that as more people are worrying about the signs and symptoms of Covid-19, less people are seeking advice on new symptoms of a possible cancer, including abnormal bleeding or new lumps on the body.

Professor Eduard Vrdoljak, of the University of Split, also echoed the concerns, adding: "I am extremely worried. We are experiencing significant challenges.

"People's fear of attending any health facility, coupled with their minds being more focused towards Covid-19 symptoms, mean that they may downplay rectal or bladder bleeding, a lump in the breast or other signs of cancer that otherwise would lead them immediately to consult their doctor.

"We are starting to see people who may be at risk of developing cancer fearing a Covid-19 diagnosis more than a cancer diagnosis."

Professor Richard Sullivan, of King's College London, added: "The focus on Covid-19 through 24-hour news cycles and social media, has dramatically changed our emotional and social infrastructure.

"At the scientific level, the modelling on which public health measures are being taken is entirely focused on Covid-19 mortality and morbidity, with little or no consideration for the impact of control measures on increasing morbidity and mortality in cancer, or indeed any other health condition."