"Nearly 20,000 Prostate Cancer Cases Overlooked During Covid Crisis"

A study suggests that almost 20,000 prostate cancer diagnoses may have been missed during the Covid-19 pandemic due to disruptions in healthcare services, leading to a drop in urgent referrals, longer waiting times, and difficulties accessing care. The drop in diagnoses resulted in a significant increase in mortality rates among men with prostate cancer. The study also found that men diagnosed during the pandemic were on average six months older, indicating crucial time lost in diagnosis and treatment. Efforts to protect the NHS from Covid-19 led to a reduction in cancer operations, exacerbating delays in diagnosis and treatment. Researchers emphasize the importance of learning from the pandemic's impact on cancer care and call for a dedicated cancer plan to address the backlog and save lives.