Hospitals are reporting a “concerning” decline in the number of Victorians seeking treatment for heart attacks and strokes, as well as essential cancer screening, during the state’s coronavirus second wave.

Health Minister Jenny Mikakos said the number of people presenting to emergency departments with strokes was down 24 per cent on the same time last year.

For heart attacks, the number of ED presentations was down 18 per cent.

“This does suggest that people are putting off seeking urgent and important medical care that could make that critical difference to their life,” Ms Mikakos said.

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Stroke Foundation Victoria state manager Eamonn O’Toole said delaying treatment was “not worth the risk”.

“We know fewer people have been presenting to hospital at the first sign of stroke because they are fearful of contracting coronavirus or over-burdening our doctors and nurses,” Mr O’Toole said. 

“If you delay calling triple-0 it could result in a longer hospital stay, serious disability or even death.”

He urged people to remember the FAST test (face, arms, speech, time) when assessing a potential stroke, and to check if the patient’s mouth had drooped, if they could lift both arms and if their speech was slurred.

“Time is critical. If you see any of these signs call triple-0 straight away,” he said.

Delaying cancer screening ‘can lead to tragedy’

There has also been a decline in important cancer screening, with a 30 per cent reduction in reports for the five most common cancers: colorectal, prostate, breast, melanoma and lung.

“This is very concerning because deferred care can lead to worse health outcomes,” Ms Mikakos said.

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