Ann Gibson, a 67-year-old from Dumbarton, has been handed a devastating prognosis—just months to live—after delays in her cancer treatment during the COVID-19 lockdown allowed the disease to spread unchecked. Ann’s ordeal began in July 2020 when she received a letter from the NHS informing her of a positive result from a bowel screening test.
However, due to the pandemic, there was a significant delay before specialists saw her. She recalls being told there was only a 5% chance it was cancer, but it turned out to be a large and aggressive tumor. It wasn’t until five months later, after intervention from her MSP, Jackie Baillie, that Ann underwent surgery to remove part of her colon, reported the Daily Record.
By then, the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes, necessitating chemotherapy. Unfortunately, Ann had a severe reaction to the treatment, leading to its cessation after just three sessions. She was reassured at the time that she was cancer-free, unaware that her cancer had a rare mutation making it more likely to return. And return it did. In 2021, a small tumor was removed via keyhole surgery.
In 2022, the cancer appeared in her left kidney, leading to its removal in January 2023. Each time, Ann was told she was clear of cancer. However, following the death of her mother, Ann moved to Manchester to live with her brother, Brian Allison.
There, she discovered that the cancer had returned and metastasized, leading doctors to give her just months to live. Ann’s story is a tragic example of the collateral damage inflicted by the pandemic on non-COVID patients. The focus on managing the virus led to delays in diagnosing and treating other serious conditions, including cancer.
Ann’s experience mirrors findings from studies indicating that such delays have resulted in patients presenting with more advanced stages of cancer, leading to poorer outcomes. Ann’s case highlights the urgent need for the NHS to address the backlog of non-COVID treatments and ensure that patients receive timely care.
As Ann bravely shares her story, it serves as a poignant reminder of the real-life consequences of healthcare delays and the importance of maintaining comprehensive medical services, even during a global crisis.
