UK could experience up to 35,000 excess cancer-related deaths due to Covid-19

A study found up to two million routine breast, bowel and cervical cancer screenings may have been missed throughout the coronavirus crisis.

A consultant analyses a mammogram. Breast cancer screenings for older women in England have risen more than 25% in a decade, NHS data shows. Picture: PA

Britain faces the prospect of up to 35,000 excess deaths within the next 12 months as a result of delays in cancer diagnosis and treatment caused by the coronavirus pandemic, research has suggested.