Up to 740,000 potential cancer cases "missing" during the pandemic
There are concerns that by March 2025 there will be a backlog of 12 million people
Last updated 27th May 2022
A report has warned that one in five of us could be on a waiting list for some sort of NHS care by 2025, because of backlogs caused by Covid-19.
The National Audit Office (NAO) has also said that almost three-quarters of a million cancer cases may have been missed during the pandemic.
Their report added it was "impossible" for the health service to fully maintain cancer care throughout the crisis.
Millions of people have "avoided seeking, or been unable to obtain healthcare" during the pandemic, the NAO said in its latest report on NHS backlogs in England.
This has led to a potential 240,000 to 740,000 fewer people than expected being diagnosed with cancer, the NAO said.
In turn, within this period between 35,000 and 60,000 fewer people started treatment for cancer than would have been expected.
However, by June 2021 cancer services had recovered to pre-pandemic levels.
Waiting lists could double
The new data warns that in less than three years the NHS waiting list for people with all ailments could double.
The NAO estimated that by March 2025 some 12 million people could be caught up in the backlog of care - which equates to 21% of the population, or one in five people.
The number of people waiting for hospital care currently stands at a record 5.83 million - up from 4.43 million in February 2020 before the start of the pandemic.
Specifically on cancer, the NAO said that it was "impossible" for the NHS to fully maintain cancer care throughout the crisis.
'Things will get worse before they get better'
Meg Hillier, chair of the Public Accounts Committee, said: "The pandemic has heaped yet more pressure on a care system that was already creaking under the strain."
"Covid-19 forced the NHS to cut back on normal activity, creating a backlog of patients who are now returning.
"Things will get worse before they get better, with the NAO estimating that waiting lists will be even longer by 2025."
Journalist, Lewis Goodall, also commented on the report:
Commenting on the report, Eve Byrne, head of campaigns and public affairs at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: "This report confirms what we hear day in, day out from people living with cancer. Chronic staffing shortages are already having a devastating impact on cancer patients, and we have major concerns that is only set to worsen without urgent action.
"It could not be more vital that the Government's imminent Elective Recovery Plan for England includes a clear plan for getting people diagnosed with and treated for cancer.
"This needs to be backed up by steps to ensure we have enough nurses so that the NHS is equipped to provide timely and quality care for all people with cancer - both now and in the future.
"Without these critical pieces of the puzzle, we risk increasing numbers of people facing later diagnoses, poorer care and potentially worse chances of survival. This has to change."
"NHS staff are pulling out all the stops"
A spokesperson for NHS in England has said that since the pandemic begun the NHS have helped 450,000 people start treatment for cancer and have "performed millions of elective procedures".
The spokesperson added: "NHS staff are now pulling out all the stops to recover elective activity levels, making good use of additional resources to open new surgical hubs and diagnostic centres, develop innovative ways of working and perform more operations, tests, checks and scans, so anyone who is concerned about their health should come forward so the NHS can help you."
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson added: "The pandemic has put enormous pressures on the NHS and caused waiting lists to grow. We are committed to ensuring people get the treatment they need and cancer diagnosis and treatment has remained a priority with most cancer services back to or above pre-pandemic levels.
"Our record investment in the NHS includes an extra £2 billion this year and £8 billion over the next three years to cut waiting times over the coming years, including through delivering an extra nine million checks, scans and operations, making sure more patients get the treatment they need sooner."
What are the new restrictions, and where do you have to wear face coverings in England?
Mask wearing in shops
From Tuesday, face coverings will be mandatory in shops in England. Regardless of vaccination status, those who do not wear a mask in retail establishments - other than those who are exempt for medical purposes - will be asked to leave.
Mask wearing on public transport
While travel across the country remains permitted, face masks will also be made compulsory on public transport in England. This includes buses, trams, trains and taxis. People with medical and respiratory exemptions will not be included in these restrictions.
Students and teachers advised to wear masks
Face coverings are also "strongly advised" to be worn for students in year 7 and above in communal areas unless they are exempt. According to the Department of Education, this is to make sure they can "continue to benefit from classroom teaching".
University students encouraged to wear masks
Department for Education guidance also states that face coverings should be worn by university students and staff in communal spaces and corridors. They have also encouraged that staff and students to do lateral flow tests twice weekly.
Mask wearing in pubs as well?
As of yet, it isn't mandatory to wear a face-covering in pubs and restaurants in England. It comes as Health Minister Edward Argar explained why wearing a mask in a pub or restaurant is difficult. He said people standing at the bar are often there for a short time and will "sip a drink on their way back to a table, where they'll be seated".