In Australia, cancer hospitals are reporting reduced referrals of patients, with The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre saying referrals were reduced by one third.
The United Kingdom has predicted up to 60,000 excess deaths from cancer due to the impact of COVID-19.
We already know that Gippslanders suffer from higher rates of cancer than their Victorian counterparts - particularly in cancers where early detection is crucial including breast, stomach, oesophageal and bowel cancers.
A study from Hong Kong has quantified the risks of delayed endoscopy on gastrointestinal cancer risk: 37% less people were diagnosed with bowel cancer as a result in reduction in screening.
Our message is simple: PLEASE DON’T DELAY!
Discuss with one of our specialists, or your GP regarding whether a mammogram, gastroscopy or colonoscopy is important for you during the pandemic.
COVID increases the risk of cancers which require specific tests for detection such as:
01 : Breast Cancer
02 : Oesophageal Cancer
03 : Stomach Cancer
04 : Bowel Cancer