Professor Gerry McKenna, chair of BDA NI Hospitals Group said: ‘The data confirms the significant impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had on reduced head and neck cancer detection and referrals.
‘Later-stage diagnosis in the wake of what has been traditionally a less than optimal picture by way of detection and diagnosis.
‘It’s important we put this into context. A large proportion of our head and neck cancer patients are not patients who are struggling to attend their general dental practice. They are people who do not (and have never) engaged with health services generally, hence the history of late presentation.’
The BDA and Cancer Focus NI state that early detection is key. However they warn that the situation could get worse before it improves.