Peterbough MP questions Health Secretary on cancer treatment backlog

The backlog of people waiting for cancer treatment has fallen “by about half”, the Health Secretary has said.

The Peterborough MP asked for an update on the work the Department for Health and Social Care is doing to cut the numbers waiting for cancer screenings in today’s health questions session in Parliament.

He said: “Cancer Research UK estimates that the backlog of people waiting for a screening due to Covid-19 might be as much as three million people.

“Will the minister give an update on the work he is doing to ensure that all areas of the NHS are able to carry out screening programmes, and the work he is doing to reassure people that it is safe to attend these screening tests?”

During health questions, Matt Hancock told the Commons: “Yes, this is an incredibly important subject to make sure that we get the screening available.

“In fact, it ties into the questions on testing, because prioritising testing for those who are about to have NHS procedures – whether that’s diagnostic, like screening, or whether it’s an operation of some sort – that prioritisation is so important, for instance, to make sure that we tackle the backlog in cancer cases that inevitably built up.

“Now we are tackling that backlog, it’s down by about half and… I’m very happy to work with my honourable friend and all others in this House to make sure that people get the early diagnosis of cancer which can so often be life-saving.”

Former Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron warned people might lose their lives due to the backlog.

He said: “Has he (Mr Hancock) seen today’s analysis revealing the terrifying scale of the backlog in cancer treatment and diagnostics.

“It is now clear that it would take the system operating at 135% capacity for six whole months just to catch up with where we were in March, until then the tragic reality is that people in my constituency and around the country will unnecessarily be losing their lives.”

Matt Hancock replied: “I feel very strongly about this. We have worked very hard to get through the backlog and we are making progress against that backlog, but nevertheless anything we can do to speed that up, I’m happy to look at.”

Dr Sarah Holmes, Marie Curie UK medical director, said “many people may soon be facing a terminal diagnosis that could have been prevented or at least delayed”.

She added: “I am concerned that with mounting pressure on cancer services, and in the rush to clear the backlog of patients who are waiting for treatment, incredibly important discussions around palliative care may be overlooked.

“In many cases, the decision to move to palliative care is one linked to acceptance and understanding. Acceptance that the diagnosis is terminal and understanding that palliative care can provide the best possible quality of life and in many cases help people live well for longer.

“When a person has moved into the terminal phase of cancer, many would surely choose to spend their time preparing for the end and saying goodbye to loved ones rather than undergoing extensive and aggressive treatment. As cancer services resume, time must be taken to have open and honest conversations so patients can make the right decision for them.

“Our focus should always be ensuring that every person has the very best possible end-of-life experience and feels empowered to decide how they want to spend the time they have left.

“As an end of life care charity, specialising in caring for and supporting dying people and their families, we appreciate how distressing these times are for people. The Marie Curie Information and Support Line (0800 090 2309) can help with any questions or concerns about any aspect of dying and the end of life, from understanding a terminal diagnosis, explaining treatments and discussing symptoms to practical information and emotional support including bereavement.

“Our team are here if people just need someone to talk to; we know it can be difficult to open-up to friends and family for fear of upsetting or worrying them, so we can provide that safe space to talk.”