The total number of people in south east London who have seen a specialist for suspected cancer has dropped by 19,000 since the pandemic began, according to the NHS’ new cancer waiting times figures.

The 12 per cent reduction is equivalent to urgent referrals being suspended for 12 whole weeks.

Over the next 16 months, the NHS will have to work at 110 per cent capacity to get through the backlog, according to cancer support charity Macmillan.

In December, the number of people in south east London seen by a specialist following an urgent referral by their GP was 6,944.

The figures reveal a 6 per cent decrease since the beginning of the pandemic.

1,000 fewer people have started cancer treatment since the start of the pandemic, which is a 7 per cent decrease.

However, 708 people in south east London started cancer treatment in December 2021, a figure similar to the pre-pandemic numbers.

Responding to the new figures, Emma Tingley, Macmillan Head of Partnerships for London, praised London’s healthcare professionals who have been “working themselves to the bone” amid the pandemic.

She noted that figures confirm the NHS faces an enormous challenge and cancer waiting times need to be improved.

Emma said that in order for the “devastating” impact on those with cancer to be resolved, the Government must take action.

Earlier this month, the NHS and government revealed plans to address backlogs and cut waiting times for care, however Emma said the Government’s Elective Recovery Plan did not strengthen the NHS’ cancer workforce.

She expressed how vital it is that NHS staff are given the support they need to tackle the backlog.

Emma said in full: “The pandemic hit cancer care in London hard.

“According to Macmillan’s analysis, in South London, the drop in the number of people who’ve seen a specialist for suspected cancer is the equivalent of urgent referrals having been suspended for 2-3 months. “And in terms of first cancer treatments, the NHS will have to work at 110% capacity for months to clear the existing backlog.

“We know that healthcare professionals across the capital have been working themselves to the bone facing an unprecedented pandemic on top of all other difficulties.

“Macmillan’s analysis confirms there is still a huge challenge facing the NHS, with performance against cancer waiting times needing improvement.

“We know this will have a devastating impact on many people with cancer who are experiencing agonising delays and risk a worse prognosis. “The Government’s Elective Recovery Plan failed to address the desperate need to enhance the cancer workforce.

“It’s now vital that the upcoming 10-year Cancer Plan sets out an approach to urgently support the NHS, so it has the staff and resources needed to tackle the cancer care backlog and ensure everybody gets the care they need now and in the future.”

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