12,000 women are expected to have an undiscovered fatal tumor due to breast cancer symptoms.
When the epidemic triggered a nationwide lockdown in March of last year, breast cancer screening came to a halt, and the NHS has been playing catch-up ever since.
According to a new study published by Breast Cancer Presently, about 12,000 women are now living with an undetected tumor. According to the charity, there is a backlog of 1,480,000 women who require mammograms. Breast cancer screening is recommended by the NHS every three years for women aged 50 to 71. However, a million fewer women received essential health screenings during the first lockdown, which lasted four months.
Breast Cancer Now’s Baroness Delyth Morgan said: “Unfortunately, despite the efforts of our dedicated NHS staff, screening services are now operating at a reduced capacity, resulting in 1.5 million fewer women being screened – a stunning 50% rise since services reopened.
“Women with breast cancer are still paying the price as a result of the pandemic’s effects, and in the worst-case scenarios, delayed diagnostics may result in some women dying from this deadly disease.
“Finding and treating those with undetected breast cancer as soon as possible must be a top priority.”
The chronically understaffed imaging and diagnostic personnel is stated to require immediate investment.
“Only then will women get the greatest care and have the best prospects of surviving,” added Baroness Morgan.
Women should still see their GP if they notice anything odd on their breasts, despite the fact that medical staff is stretched thin.
Breast Cancer Now lists the following signs of breast cancer:
The Royal College of Radiologists’ president, Dr. Jeanette Dickson, said: “Breast services, including screening, are working around the clock to meet patients as soon as feasible.
“We cannot stress enough how important it is to get medical treatment if you are experiencing any concerning symptoms. If a screening appointment is offered to you, please attend.” Screening teams are cramming two years’ worth of appointments into a single appointment.
Dr. Dickson has urged the government to keep investing in scanners and computer networking.
“But, in the end, we can’t avoid the need to invest in people,” she said.
“To ensure that future breast cancer patients receive the treatment they deserve, the NHS needs more imaging and oncology staff.”
“The NHS in England is investing more than £70,” according to a representative for NHS England “..