Express News Service
NEW DELHI: Owing to COVID-19 and the subsequent lockdown for initial months, many cancer patients have reached advanced stages because of lack of access to timely treatment. Existing cancer patients are more prone to severe effects of the virus as delayed intervention leads to late detection and diagnosis, say oncologists.
Most patients reporting advanced stages of cancer are over 60 years of age, who also majorly suffer from comorbidities such as diabetes, cardiac ailments and hypertension. So, they are apprehensive about stepping out of homes or seeking medical consultation.
“In India, more than 50% of patients seek medical treatment in the advanced stages due to lack of awareness and timely screening. With the current pandemic, this percentage has gone up substantially due to Covid fear,” says Dr SM Shuaib Zaidi, Senior Consultant, Surgical Oncology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Delhi.