15 Dec 2021

Backlog of 45,000 breast screens since lockdown

From Nine To Noon, 9:05 am on 15 December 2021

The Breast Cancer Foundation fears lives are being put at risk, as tens of thousands of mammograms are delayed due to Covid. Associate Health Minister Ayesha Verrall has confirmed a back-log of 45,000 breast cancer since lock-downs started, to this September. 

The Breast Cancer Foundation says this backlog is "unacceptable, alarming and needs urgent action". There are concerns other cancer screening services, including prostate, are also being affected by Covid-related delays in the health system.

Kathryn speaks to the Chief Executive of The Breast Cancer Foundation Ah-Leen Rayner and Chris Jackson, an academic oncologist and former medical director of the Cancer Society. 

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Photo: 123rf