More cancer patients received an emergency diagnosis in Blackburn with Darwen and across East Lancashire last year, new figures reveal – in contrast to a decline across England.

An emergency presentation of cancer is when a diagnosis is given within 30 days of a hospital admission and does not include more managed routes, such as cancer screening or through a GP.

And new NHS data has now revealed the data for Blackburn with Darwen and Burnley patients.

Data shows 182 cancer patients were first seen as inpatients in the former NHS Blackburn with Darwen CCG from July to September last year. Of them, 33 – or 18.1 per cent – were emergency presentations.

This was up from 15.3 per cent during the same period in 2021 but a fall from 26.1 per cent before the Covid-19 pandemic in 2019.

And 499 cancer patients were first seen as inpatients in the former NHS East Lancashire CCG from July to September last year. Of them, 85 – or 17 per cent – were emergency presentations.

This was up from 16.8 per cent during the same period in 2021 but a fall from 18.3 per cent before the Covid-19 pandemic in 2019.

Dr Jawad Husain, Medical Director for East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust said: “Cancer diagnoses have a profound impact on patients and their loved ones.

“Our dedicated teams are committed to providing timely treatment, positive outcomes and saving lives. 

“Currently, we are seeing record numbers of people in need of these services.

“Thankfully through the introduction of new initiatives and technology, such as rapid diagnostic centres, cancer specific tests and robotic surgical procedures, more patients can access the care they need, when they need it. 

“If you have any concerns about worrying symptoms that you think could be cancer, please speak to your GP urgently.

“Some symptoms can be caused by things other than cancer, but it is always a good idea to get them checked out.

“If it is cancer, the earlier it is found, the quicker treatment can begin and the more likely it is to be cured.

“If it’s nothing serious, your GP will be able to reassure you. 

“It’s important to remember that you can help to reduce the risk of cancer by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding exposure to known cancer-causing substances, including smoking.

“Taking part in routine screening tests when offered helps to identify early signs of cancer and accepting medicines or vaccines that can prevent cancer from developing provide an additional layer of protection.”

Dr Ian Walker, Cancer Research UK's executive director of policy and information, said the overall drop in the proportion of people diagnosed through emergency routes positive as these patients tend to have worse outcomes.

Dr Walker added: "Despite the tireless work of NHS staff, too many people affected by cancer are waiting too long to receive a diagnosis and begin vital treatment regardless of the route they enter the system.

"We urge the Government to show political leadership on cancer and use its upcoming Major Conditions Strategy to transform cancer services, so every patient has the best chances of early diagnosis and survival."

Across England, 13,200 of the 71,600 presentations were emergencies. It means the rate of emergency presentations was 18.4 per cent in the third quarter of 2022, down from 19.7 per cent the same period in 2021 and down from 19.3 per cent pre-Covid in 2019.

The figures also show the cancers with the highest rate of emergency presentations were pancreatic cancer (55.6 per cent), acute myeloid leukaemia (54.9 per cent) and malignant central nervous system tumours (51.5 per cent).

An NHS spokesperson said: "It is encouraging news that emergency presentations of cancer are back below pre-pandemic levels, continuing the steady decline that we have seen over almost two decades.

"While the incidence rate has risen over time due to an ageing population, the hard work of NHS staff means the health service is now diagnosing a higher proportion of cancers at an early stage – when they’re usually easier to treat – than ever before, potentially saving thousands of lives."

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