NHS backlog causes a fifth of Brits to postpone cancer symptom checksA survey of 2,000 adults found that 29 per cent have delayed seeking medical help due to lengthy waiting times, whilst 22 per cent have avoided consulting a healthcare professional altogetherLong NHS waiting lists are deterring patients from seeking treatment - even if they have cancer symptoms, according to a study. But doctors are warning this behaviour could mean symptoms are going undiagnosed or being caught later when survival chances are reduced. ‌Currently around 6.25 million patients in England are waiting to be seen, with 7.4 million treatments on a waiting list. The study found 92 per cent of those polled said speed is vital, and 71 per cent believe regulated AI could help reduce NHS wait times. The majority also believe the NHS has a duty of care to deploy technologies that are proven to improve outcomes for patients.