NHS England’s most recent data shows that there were 302,803 cases of cancer in 2021/22, up from 276,979 cases in 2020-2021.
However, there are worries about “missing” cancer cases due to people choosing not to seek medical attention to safeguard the NHS during the pandemic.
Meanwhile, accessing GP services and medical treatment is becoming more challenging due to the substantial backlog in the NHS.
In 2022–2023, the percentage of 25–49-year-olds who had a cervical cancer screening was at an all-time low of 67 per cent. Cervical screening coverage for those aged 50 to 64 is still around 75 per cent, which is lower than it was in the early 2010s.
Nonetheless, the percentage of people screened for bowel cancer has risen to a record 72 per cent from 56 per cent in 2013–14.
Broadstone head of health & protection Brett Hill says: “Compared to pre-pandemic levels there were around 50,000 fewer cancer cases than we might have expected in 2020/21 and a further 25,000 in 2021/22. While incidence rates for new cancer diagnosis recovered slightly in 2021/22, they were still well below pre-pandemic levels, and suggest around 25,000 potential cancer cases missed out of vitally needed prompt diagnosis and treatment.
“It represents a ticking public health time bomb with these cases likely to present further down the line at a time when treatment will be more complex, more expensive, and unfortunately may have less favourable outcomes.
“The data also suggested that cervical screening coverage is beginning to decline across both the 25-49 age group and flatlining far below pre-pandemic levels among women aged 50-64. It is a positive that bowel cancer screening coverage is increasing rapidly among 60–74-year-olds.
“These screenings are crucial as it is so important to catch cancer as early as possible so that treatment is effective. It is little wonder we are seeing employers continuing to expand their provision of private healthcare support and health screening programmes so that workers are able to diagnose and treat any health issues as quickly as possible.”
