Fears thousands of Aussies unaware they have cancer because of reluctance to visit GP during COVID pandemic
Experts fear thousands of Australians are unaware they could have cancer because they've avoided seeing their doctor due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Almost 150,000 fewer Australians than usual were tested for cancer during the height of the pandemic in 2020.
Now, some of Australia's biggest cancer charities, have teamed up for the first time for the campaign New Normal, Same Cancer to urge anyone with any symptoms to stop putting off seeing their GP.
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Melbourne disability support worker Jemma Katz, 23, was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma at the end of 2019. Supplied
CEO of government organisation Cancer Australia, Prof Dorothy Keefe, said it's important people don't wait any longer to get help.
"New normal, same cancer is a vital message - because as we know, cancer won't wait," she said.
Between January and September 2020 there were around 149,000 fewer cancer diagnostic tests done compared to the same period the year before, according to Cancer Australia.
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That includes scans, blood tests and biopsies.
Worryingly, when patients are finally diagnosed their cancer could be at a later stage, which can make treatment harder and lowers chances of survival.
Disability support worker Jemma Katz, 23, with her boyfriend, was diagnosed with cancer just before the pandemic. Supplied
Melbourne disability support worker, Jemma Katz, 23, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma at the end of 2019, said her life was possibly saved by an early diagnosis.
She found a lump the size of a strawberry on her collarbone while driving. But with her university exams approaching, she put off seeking help for a few weeks.
Luckily her mum, a nurse, pushed her to see her GP.
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Once she finally went, it only took a few days for her to be told she had cancer.
Coronavirus restrictions and lockdowns put people off getting medical help, charities believe. Asanka Ratnayake / Getty Images
And while she told nine.com.au it was a "complete shock" she took heart in the fact she caught the disease early- and urged others who notice anything abnormal not to wait.
"It could be nothing and it could be something - in my case it was something but it saved my life," she said.
"I'm very lucky. If I had left it, then my life would look very different."
Ms Katz is now cancer free after months of treatment.
Jemma Katz, 23, had chemotherapy after being told she had cancer. Supplied
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The charities involved in the campaign are: Bowel Cancer Australia, GI Cancer Institute, Leukemia Foundation, Lung Foundation Australia, Lymphoma Australia, Pink Hope, Prostate Cancer Foundation, Ovarian Cancer Australia and Rare Cancers Australia.
Backed by drug firm AstraZeneca, it launches today, World Cancer Day.
Sarah Powell, CEO of breast and ovarian cancer charity Pink Hope, said she believes people who might have symptoms have put off seeking help for various reasons - despite the fact GP's remain open and telehealth consults being rolled out.
READ MORE: Australia's cancer screening rates plummet during coronavirus pandemic
"I think people were concerned about going to hospitals- people think 'I'm safer staying at home or away from my doctors," she said.
"People just had so much going on that they haven't prioritised their health," she said.
However, she said it's essential anybody worried about their health sees their GP now.
"The longer people leave their symptoms the harder they are to treat and the worse their outcome," she said.
"Just go to your doctor. Make that phone call right now."
Authorities have previously warned of the impact of the pandemic on cancer in Australia.
Last June, health bosses warned of a cancer spike, as people returned to their GP's following initial coronavirus lockdowns.
Telehealth allows people to connect with doctors online or on the phone. A Current Affair
Then, in October, a report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) showed a steep decline in the rates of screening for breast and cervical cancers in the first half of 2020.
Cancer symptoms
Lumps, especially in the armpit or neck, sores or ulcers that don't heal can be signs of cancer.
Coughs or hoarseness or coughing up blood are also symptoms of some kinds of cancer such as lung cancer, along with new moles or spots.
Unexplained weight loss or gain, diarrhea, constipation or stomach pains can also be symptoms of cancer.
Breast lumps or changes in the nipple can also be signs of breast cancer.
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