Hundreds of patients awaiting consultations over breast cancer are not being seen on time in south Essex, according to data by NHS England.

The alarming figures reveal 1,000 patients suspected of having breast cancer were referred by GPs to Southend, Basildon and Broomfield hospitals in December, but only 679 patients were seen by a consultant within the recommended two-week window.

In December 2019, 97 per cent of patients were seen within the two-week timeframe but this dropped to just 68 per cent in December 2020.

A spokesman for Mid and South Essex NHS Trust, which runs the hospitals, said: “The trust has continued to provide cancer care throughout the pandemic and we have added extra breast cancer clinics to ensure patients continue to be seen as quickly as possible.”

Ashley Dalton, from Southend – a previous breast cancer patient – warned of the risks.

She said: “I think it’s obvious this has something to do with the restrictions from Covid but the knock-on effect is this timebomb of people whose cancer is not being diagnosed as soon as it should be which has an enormous impact on the ability for the cancer to be cured.

“Some cancers are very aggressive and we don’t know how quick things can change and we don’t know how much might change. It’s supposed to be two weeks for a reason.

“As a cancer patient it’s absolutely terrifying. Every day that you’re not being treated you’re acutely aware that it could be spreading.

“When you do get your diagnosis it’s every patient’s nightmare that you won’t get treated quickly enough.”

Mia Rosenblatt, from the charity Breast Cancer Now, said: “Facing longer waits at an already challenging time can cause women huge worry, and the frightening consequence of these vital targets being missed is that more women could be living with undetected breast cancer due to delayed diagnoses.

“It’s vital that during the Covid-19 pandemic, women still contact their GP if they find any new or unusual breast changes. While most breast changes won’t be cancer, on the occasions it is, early diagnosis increases the chance of successful treatment.

“Anyone seeking information and support can speak to our expert nurses by calling our free helpline on 0808 800 6000.”