A CANCER information and support service based at Furness General Hospital is continuing to help people living with cancer by providing help via the telephone and online support after once again temporarily halting face-to-face contact.

The team at the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT) is continuing to support local healthcare staff, self-isolating cancer patients and their relatives by working remotely and speaking to people on the phone and via email.

According to new figures, the number of people sent for urgent cancer investigations at UHMT has risen above pre-pandemic levels.

Macmillan Cancer Support said while an increase in cancer referrals nationally is welcome, more people are waiting longer to be seen, with coronavirus infection rates making waiting time worse.

NHS England data shows 1,381 people were seen by a specialist at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust following an urgent GP referral for suspected cancer in September, which is 16 per cent more than in the same month last year, when 1,195 appointments were recorded.

It was also a 44 per cent rise on the 957 urgent referrals in August.

Macmillan's director of policy, campaigns and influence, Steven McIntosh, said: "Rising coronavirus rates now risk making this worse, in the face of an already significant backlog."

"Tens of thousands of people are missing a cancer diagnosis because of Covid-19, and we know that delays to diagnosis and care can cause untold worry and affect chances of survival."

In September, ​51 per cent of patients were checked for suspected cancer at the University Hospitals Trust of Morecambe Bay within two weeks of an urgent referral, meaning the trust fell well behind the NHS target of 93 per cent.

The month before, ​70 per cent of referrals were seen within a fortnight.

Offering words of support for those worried about cancer, Lorraine Jones, Macmillan Information and Support Service Manager at UHMBT, said: “We know people rely on our support now more than ever and we are urging anyone with any worries or concerns about cancer, if they require psychological support or need to speak to their clinical teams, or are lonely and just want a chat, to please contact us; we are still here for you.”

Anyone affected by cancer in North Lancashire or South Cumbria can contact the centre on 01524 519578, via mobile on 07972 639424 or email macmillan.info@mbht.nhs.uk Monday – Friday, 9am – 4pm (excluding Bank Holidays).