As a cancer specialist I think it’s important to respond to the #HealthSecretary’s comments about cancer treatment not being available if #COVID19 gets out of control. Firstly, it’s important to state that #Hancock and his own Government’s failures have contributed to the problem
Secondly, I think it’s unlikely that those in most need will miss out. We have learnt an enormous amount about managing cancer in a #COVID19 environment and are now much better prepared. At present we are managing generally very well, although surgical waiting lists are a problem
Non surgical cancer treatment like chemotherapy and radiotherapy is mainly outpatient based and we should be able to cope. Initial concerns about risks to patients on chemo have not turned out to be as serious as we first thought.
Radiotherapy services have managed well and will continue to do so. In certain cases, radiotherapy is a good alternative to surgery and can replace it in selected situations if the #COVID19 situation becomes really dire
Diagnostics is a major issue, but again, we can adapt and focus on initial diagnosis of cancer rather than the follow up of cancer, where the benefits of repeat imaging are largely unproven.
We clearly need to avoid the situation of a major second wave causing the health system to be overwhelmed, so we need to continue to take our public health measures very seriously. Hopefully this will minimise flu outbreaks too. We also need to ensure high uptake of flu vaccine.
The public must be told to seek medical help if they have worrying medical symptoms. GPs and hospital services will still be running. We must not sacrifice lives due to fear of seeking help. If we are all sensible and follow the key public health messages, we’ll get through this
We need to find the right balance between addressing the seriousness of #COVID19 & the seriousness of collateral effects. It isn’t easy. That’s why transparency & honesty from Government is essential. Public trust is at the heart of managing the pandemic, but it’s in short supply
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