PEOPLE who could be seriously ill are not contacting the NHS during the coronavirus crisis as fears emerge cancer warning signs are not being acted on.

As well as massive drop in the number of people attending accident and emergency departments since the coronavirus pandemic hit Scotland there has been a drop in urgent cancer referrals.

Gregor Smith, Scotland’s interim chief Medical Officer said referrals were down by 72% from what is he normal.

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He urged anyone with new or persistant symptoms not to ignore them and to not hesitate to contact their GP.

Dr Smith said: “Please don’t delay unnecessarily. Your NHS remains here for you, please seek help and attention when you need it.

“There’s strong evidence that a reduction in people coming forward to seek help has led to lower numbers of urgent referrals for suspected cancer.

He noted symptoms that indicate cancer like a new lump, unusual bleeding or a persistent change in bowel patterns.

Dr Smith said: “GPs are telling me that they’re seeing much fewer people coming forward with these types of symptoms and signs, and the volume of referrals that are being received backs this up.

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“In fact, there’s been a 72% reduction in urgent suspected cancer referrals compared to the weekly average.”

Dr Smith said it was not the case that cancer and other diseases and conditions had disappeared meaning people are not coming forward for a diagnosis

He added: “It remains important that patients bring the symptoms to the GP, so that they can be managed appropriately.

“If it was urgent before Covid-19, it remains urgent now.”

Cancer charities are worried about the impact on the NHS if there is a surge in people seeking treatment later.

Marion O’Neill, Cancer Research UK’s head of external affairs in Scotland, said: “It’s hugely concerning there has been such a dramatic drop in the number of urgent suspected cancer referrals. It’s clear the pandemic has left cancer diagnosis and treatment in a precarious position.

“If lots of suspected cancer cases are not investigated until a later date, there’s a risk of breaking an already flooded NHS system.”

The warnings come as Nicola Sturgeon revealed the latest coronavirus figures.

There were another 12 deaths in 24 hours, taking he total hospital deaths from coronavirus to 915, but Ms Sturgeon said that could be higher as some deaths are not registered at the weekend.

There were 1809 people in hospital an increase of 12 and 169 people in intensive care, a decrease of five.

In the Greater Glasgow and Clyde NHS area there were 2,020 positive cases, 603 in hospital and 64 in intensive care.