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Roisin’s cancer treatment was suspended for 12 weeks.
Cancer doctors say difficult decisions must be made to postpone care for some patients during the coronavirus crisis.
The NHS says that all essential treatment must continue during the outbreak.
But some treatments, such as chemotherapy, can weaken the immune system and potentially put patients at higher risk for Covid-19.
The NHS has created a cancer center to carry out urgent surgery.
Postponement is “unbearable”
Roisin Pelan is 38 years old and lives in Lancashire. You have incurable breast cancer and take chemotherapy tablets every day. Every three months she also visits the hospital to receive the medicine intravenously.
Last month, he was told his chemotherapy treatment would be suspended for 12 weeks.
“It is terrifying that they have stopped the treatment that I know keeps me alive,” she says.
“Removing it is unbearable. How do we know it will only be 12 weeks? This pandemic could last much longer.”
NHS England has told the trusts that all essential and urgent cancer treatments must continue, but specialists must discuss with patients whether it is more risky to undergo or delay.
Dan Ruston is taking pills at home to treat a stomach tumor
Dr. Jeanette Dickson, President of the Royal College of Radiologists, says that, for most patients, treatment continues as usual, but admits that it is difficult for those whose care has been interrupted.
She says staff levels are also stretched.
“It is especially difficult for patients who have been doing well so far. And it is difficult for the staff. No one knows if we can continue to provide treatment this week or next,” said Dr. Dickson.
But doctors are finding new ways to work during the outbreak.
Twenty-five-year-old Dan Ruston’s chemotherapy pills to treat a tumor in his stomach are being shipped to his home in Cheshire.
“I take one in the morning and one at night, very simple. So I don’t have to face it in the outside world,” he says.
New cancer centers involving several NHS trusts and private hospitals were launched this month in Manchester and London.
The centers match patients requiring urgent operations with surgeons at different “Covid-light” hospitals, which means there are fewer coronavirus patients seen there and less chance that more vulnerable people may be exposed to the virus. More centers are expected to open across the country in the coming weeks.
Louise Andrews, 32, is a patient at Westminster and Chelsea Hospital, but a surgical team at Royal Marsden Hospital removed a lump from her breast.
“I was relieved. We were literally waiting on the phone every day hoping someone would call to tell me they fit me anywhere. Moving forward was very important to me.”
‘Strain all the tendons’
Professor Peter Johnson, clinical director for cancer, admits that the coronavirus epidemic is putting great strain on NHS resources.
“But we are straining each tendon to make sure that diagnosis and treatments can continue,” he says.
“In some circumstances, it may be safer to delay treatment or treat patients differently than normal, and doctors and patients must make those decisions together.”
Professor Johnson also revealed that there has been a sharp drop in the number of referrals for investigations of suspected cancer and has urged anyone who is self-concerned to speak to their GP.
Lynda Thomas, executive director of Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “We know this is a very anxious time. One in three calls to our support line last week were from patients concerned about the coronavirus.
“We will work closely with the NHS to monitor and support this vital care that is provided.”
