Saturday 10 September 2022 11:04 PM Experts fear prostate cancer 'Covid hangover' due to a lack of face-to-face GP ... trends now

Experts have forecasted a spike in prostate cancer deaths over the next few years – a hangover from the thousands of cases that were missed during the Covid pandemic.

Cancer specialists have blamed the lack of face-to-face GP appointments for the predicted rise, which meant tell-tale signs going unnoticed.

An analysis of NHS data shows that the number of prostate cancers diagnosed late – when the disease has spread – have risen by three per cent since 2020. The report, by the leading charity Prostate Cancer UK, also noted a four per cent increase in the number of cases spotted in A&E.

When cancer is diagnosed in an emergency situation, it is often at an advanced stage, when it causes painful symptoms.

Meanwhile, the total number of middle-aged men diagnosed with prostate cancer is four per cent lower than doctors would expect over two years, suggesting cases have been missed.

The authors, who will present the data today at the European Society for Medical Oncology Congress, say the figures suggest at least 14,000 British men are living with undiagnosed prostate cancer.

‘This data is very worrying and shows how vital it is that more is done to raise awareness of prostate cancer – particularly among younger men,’ says Chiara De Biase, a director of Prostate Cancer UK.

‘At least 14,000 fewer men were diagnosed during the pandemic, and we now know that unless things change, we’re facing the prospect of worsening health outcomes for men.’

Prostate cancer is among the most common cancers in the UK and will affect one in eight British men during their lifetime.

By far the biggest risk factor is age – it’s most common in men over 75.

Genetics also play a role, with tumours far more likely to strike men with a direct family member who has also been affected. And prostate cancer is more common in black

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