GP referrals to lung cancer specialists drop 50%

Pandemic survey also shows patients are presenting late for treatment, says Lung Foundation Australia chair Professor Christine Jenkins
Professor Christine Jenkins.

GP referrals to lung cancer specialists dropped by 50% in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, sparking concerns more than 1000 people with cancer and other serious lung conditions may be undiagnosed. 

A survey of respiratory specialists and oncologists specialising in lung cancer shows GP referrals between March and April halved compared with the same period last year.