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
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.
Lung Foundation Australia released the figures on Thursday as part of a public awareness campaign urging people to not delay investigating a persistent cough.
The survey revealed that one in two lung cancer and respiratory specialists (47%) were reporting delays in timely referrals for diagnostic procedures.
