Britain's Cancer Crisis

There's been a few familiar faces amongst the young women within the cancer community that have tragically lost their lives within the last few weeks.

That's not to mention however many other people that have lost their lives to cancer since this pandemic has begun due to delayed or even cancelled treatments. People are shook but the support and positivity from others from in the community remains strong.

If you haven't watched it already, I encourage you to watch the BBC Panorama documentary Britain's Cancer Crisis, because a crisis is exactly what it is.

Deborah James (@bowelbabe on Instagram) has worked together with the BBC and the podcast You, Me and the Big C to investigate the impact that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on cancer care and how the NHS has handled it.

Health Data Research UK have revealed in their findings that 35,000 more people may die of cancer within the next year due to push backs and cancellations in treating AND even diagnosing the illness. Cancer Research UK estimated that more than TWO MILLION screening appointments have not been sent out which is one of the key ways for early detection.

I have been fortunate enough to not have any sort of treatment delay and now that I'm on oral chemotherapy and can do this from home, I can feel comfortable in knowing that I've not been 'forgotten' or 'left behind.' The same cannot and - with the continuation of this - will not be said for others.

This, of course, doesn't just come in regards to treatment but it's also about early detection. Referrals aren't happening as quickly as they should which in turn can cause even more incurable diagnoses and possibly needless deaths. How much longer this year can we expect this to go on for?

Pubs and restaurants have opened and people are crowding beaches at their own risk but a person with a worrying lump can't get it checked out at a referral clinic for how long of a wait?

It's harsh, but this uncertainty is the reality for many people right now.

Kelly Smith (@kickasskell) was unfortunately one of those young lives taken too soon because of a pause in treatment. This documentary is for her.

Please sign and share the petition to help stop anymore unnecessary cancer deaths: https://www.change.org/catchupwithcancer

Thank you.