A major fall in cancer patients during the coronavirus pandemic – BBC News

The number of cancer specialists seen during the pandemic has dropped significantly.

NHS England figures have seen a sharp drop in cancer referrals in April this year – down 60% from 2019. Urgent breast cancer has seen an even greater decline of 78%.

Cancer charities are concerned that people with symptoms are too scared to seek help.

Meanwhile, the government has been accused of publishing a report that includes ethnic minority protection measures to protect against coronaviruses. A review by Public Health England confirmed that people with black, Asian and minority backgrounds were dying disproportionately.

A senior health official has told the BBC a second report containing recommendations to protect the BAME community, but it has not been released.

Sophie Raworth has presented BBC News with ten reports from Lauren Moss Health Correspondent and Rianna Croxford Community Affairs Correspondent.

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