How has Covid-19 impacted cancer care?

by Jasicca Nava, a medical negligence solicitor at Irwin Mitchell 

On 4 February we see World Cancer Day, the themes of which this year is Closing the Care Gap. It has long been acknowledged that income, education, and even geographical location were one of many factors that impacted cancer care in the UK. How has Covid-19 impacted this?

The pandemic and its impact on cancer care

The pandemic meant that those who were already battling cancer had to add Covid-19 to the fight. 

Those with a weakened immune system were of higher risk of serious illness, hospitalisation and death with Covid-19 while others who were yet to start treatment or even receive a diagnosis, faced delays. 

The pandemic resulted in crushing disruptions to cancer services. In 2021, there was a call on the government to deliver a fully funded national cancer plan to tackle the backlog the pandemic has created. It is clear that without a comprehensive plan and additional funding, it will take years to tackle the backlog, years that many do not have.

The government has committed to further funding for the NHS. A number of charities, and notably the Catch up with Cancer Campaign, have implored the government to provide a resolute and direct strategy for cancer care. The focus of these campaigns is to close the gap; one that was ever present but ripped open by a pandemic.

Rebecca’s breast cancer story

My client Rebecca was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2021. When we first met she recalled to me the moment she was told of her diagnosis, with her partner anxiously waiting in the car. He wasn’t allowed to accompany Rebecca to hear the news due to the hospital restrictions in place at the time. It is difficult to imagine going through this alone with no moral support.

One thing that has stood out to me was the difficulty Rebecca had in getting help and support for her mental health under the NHS. 

She turned to MacMillan for that support instead. The plans for closing the gap, in my view, must include with it funding for mental health support to ensure the best possible outcome for patients.

Cancer in Rebecca's own words

"On 4 March, 2021, I had an appointment with the breast clinic at my local hospital to discuss the results of some tests on a lump in my breast. The appointment letter told me to attend alone because of the continuing Covid risk, so that is what I did. Whilst I was being given the news that I had stage three breast cancer, my partner of 20 years was sat in a car park half a mile away.

"I had to attend most of my medical appointments by myself. When I had surgery and stayed in the hospital overnight, I wasn’t allowed any visitors. I could not take anyone to my chemotherapy sessions. 

"For the six months I was receiving treatment, I was classed as clinically vulnerable and was advised by the NHS to stay at home. Whilst most of the country was going back to the office, going to the pub to watch the Euros and enjoying some kind of normality, my partner and I remained indoors, unable to see our friends or family. 

"When I ended up in hospital with neutropenic sepsis, a relatively common occurrence for chemo patients, I had to remain in my hospital room for five days, leaving only once for an X-ray. 

"Cancer is difficult, whatever the timing. But being diagnosed during the pandemic added a new layer of hardship. 

"And I consider myself lucky because at least I had my partner - I dread to think how isolating it must have been for people who didn’t have that support." 

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting people and their families following a cancer diagnosis at our dedicated cancer claims section.

The government has committed to further funding for the NHS. A number of charities, and notably the Catch up with Cancer Campaign, have implored the government to provide a resolute and direct strategy for cancer care. The focus of these campaigns is to close the gap; one that was ever present but ripped open by a pandemic.”