Half of those with cancer symptoms did not seek help during first UK lockdown

New study finds people were deterred by stay-at-home message

Nearly half of people who experienced cancer symptoms in the UK during the first wave of the pandemic did not seek medical help. Getty Images

Nearly half of people who experienced cancer symptoms, including coughing up blood or developing a new lump, did not seek medical help during the UK’s first coronavirus lockdown, new research shows.

Reasons cited for putting off getting help included not wanting to waste the doctor’s time, putting extra pressure on Britain’s National Health Service, or worries about catching Covid-19 in a hospital.

Government advice during the first Covid-19 wave was to “stay home, protect the NHS, save lives”.

The study of nearly 8,000 people between March and August captured the fall in the number of people contacting their doctor in the first place.

Cancer Research UK and Cardiff University, the team behind the study, said this could lead to cancer cases being detected at a later date – reducing the chance of survival.

Researchers said about half of the 3,025 people who said they experienced at least one symptom during the first wave did not contact their doctor.

They found that 31 per cent did not seek help after coughing up blood, while 41 per cent did not go to the doctor after developing an unexplained lump. About 51 per cent of respondents noticed a change in the appearance of a mole but did nothing about it. The three symptoms are all red flags for cancer.

While some cancer services were reduced in the first Covid wave, they were more accessible during subsequent waves.

Cancer Research UK chief executive Michelle Mitchell emphasised that "the NHS is open".

“We’re extremely concerned people have put off seeking help for cancer symptoms, even if this was for the best of intentions,” she said.

“Worryingly, we don’t yet know what the pandemic’s long-term impact on cancer stage and survival will be, so it’s vital people don’t delay contacting their GP if they notice any unusual changes to their body.”

Dr Neil Smith said early detection of cancer gives people the best chance of survival.

“For those who’ve been unable to get through to your doctor’s surgery, although it may be frustrating, I would encourage you to keep trying. GPs like me are still here to help you,” he said.