People with cancer ‘risk being left behind’ under new Covid-19 testing guidance
Macmillan Cancer Support said that regular testing has enabled many people with cancer to go about their daily lives without worry.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Some cancer patients are at risk of being “left behind” under new guidance which sets out who is eligible for free Covid-19 tests, a charity has warned.
Macmillan Cancer Support said it was welcome that people with symptoms of Covid-19 who are vulnerable to the effects of the disease will still be eligible for free tests.
But it urged minister to extend the offer of free testing to include immunocompromised people without symptoms.
It comes as a poll by the charity, shared with the the PA news agency, found that many people with cancer and their loved ones had been regularly testing to protect themselves.
Whilst it’s positive that those more vulnerable to getting seriously ill from Covid-19 will be eligible for free symptomatic testing, those who are asymptomatic have been left behind.
Across the UK, 22% of people with cancer said that they had asked family or friends to take a test before they meet up or that the people they live with are testing once a week.
And 30% of those having treatment said their family and friends are taking these testing precautions, according to the poll of 2,000 British adults with a previous cancer diagnosis.
Many cancer patients (70%) are still wearing masks in indoor settings, 42% try to keep a two-metre distance from others where possible and 19% are avoiding leaving the house as much as possible.
For cancer patients in England, 51% said that they do not think that the Government is doing enough to protect vulnerable people from Covid-19.
Lynda Thomas, chief executive at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “The Government says it wants the public to learn to live with Covid, but this is only possible if people have the tools and resources to do so.
“Whilst it’s positive that those more vulnerable to getting seriously ill from Covid-19 will be eligible for free symptomatic testing, those who are asymptomatic have been left behind.
“Many immunocompromised people with cancer are still feeling incredibly nervous about living their everyday lives.
“Regular testing is a simple way to provide these individuals with the confidence to help manage and protect their health. The Government must urgently rectify this decision and ensure asymptomatic immunocompromised people, including those with cancer, can continue to access free testing.”