Female patient at a doctor's appointment

Irish Cancer Society concerned as referrals to lung cancer Rapid Access Clinics drops by over a half

  • 55% drop in referrals to lung cancer clinics in January 2021 compared to January 2020
  • Society urges people to call their doctor or the Irish Cancer Society free Support Line on 1800 200 700

The Irish Cancer Society has said it is concerned at a significant drop in suspected lung cancer cases being sent on for further investigation at Rapid Access Clinics. Figures have emerged that show that GP referrals to Lung Rapid Access Clinics dropped by 55% in January 2021 compared to January of last year.

The Society says that the fall in referrals may mean that people with symptoms of lung cancer are not seeking medical advice from their GP and possibly delaying a diagnosis of cancer, or receiving a later diagnosis in an emergency department. Just 93 electronic referrals were made to lung cancer rapid access clinics in January 2021 compared to 207 in January 2020.

Director of Advocacy and External Affairs at the Irish Cancer Society, Rachel Morrogh, said: “The early detection of cancer is key to survival and good quality of life. This is particularly true for lung cancers, many of which are picked up at a late stage. The Irish Cancer Society is concerned that these figures may indicate a repeat in the pattern of behaviour we saw in the first lockdown, where there was a drop of 40% in e-referrals to Lung Cancer Rapid Access Clinics in August 2020 compared to the previous February. Research we undertook last year showed that 1 in 4 people put off going to see a GP or attending a hospital appointment during the initial wave of COVID 19."

“The pandemic has made us all aware of coughing as it could be a symptom of Covid-19. However, it is important to remember that a persistent cough is also a symptom of lung cancer; and just like Covid-19, it is important to get it checked out straight away, irrespective of your age or existing health conditions.

“Our research shows that some patients with health concerns may be reluctant to contact their GPs because they don’t want to bother them or because they don’t think their symptoms are serious enough. However, the Irish Cancer Society wants to reassure patients who have any persistent, unusual or unexplained symptoms, particularly those with a cough that won’t go away, or hoarseness, that it is important to speak to your GP as soon as possible. Please, don’t delay in contacting your GP if you have any niggling concerns about the symptoms you or a loved one are experiencing, ” Morrogh concluded.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in Ireland for men and women. A significant majority of people (70%) diagnosed with lung cancer in Ireland are diagnosed at a late stage which has a direct impact on survival rates. More than 2,500 men and women in Ireland receive a lung cancer diagnosis annually, and unfortunately more than 1,800 men and women will die from this largely preventable cancer every year.

The Irish Cancer Society is currently running a campaign called Your Health Matters to encourage people to attend their GP. For further support and advice call the Freephone Support Line on 1800 200 700.