BBC News
By Paul Lynch
image captionDiagnostic tests fell dramatically in England during the first six months of the pandemic
Millions of people missed out on potentially life-saving scans when non-Covid-19 NHS services almost ground to a halt this year, analysis shows.
In England, at least 4.4 million fewer scans were performed between April and September this year compared to the same period in 2019.
One in seven people are now waiting more than three months for a scan as the NHS attempts to clear the backlog.
NHS England says some services are now back to the same levels as last year.
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Cancer scan backlog raises late detection fears
Millions of people missed out on potentially life-saving scans when non-Covid-19 NHS services ground to a halt during the pandemic, analysis shows.
In England, at least 4.4 million fewer scans were performed between April and September this year compared to the same period in 2019.
One in seven people are now waiting more than three months for a scan as the NHS attempts to clear the backlog.
NHS England says some services are now back to the same levels as last year.
But professional bodies and Cancer Research UK say the period of inactivity has left a backlog that could leave a swathe of people presenting at hospital in a worsened condition.