St Andrew's COVID-19 Surgery Safety (StACS) study: Skin cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Skin cancer is a prevalent global malignancy.
• Ensuring resilient cancer care delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic is critical.
• This study addresses the need for safe strategies in managing skin cancer during health crises.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prospectively evaluate COVID-19 related risks for patients undergoing skin cancer management.
• To assess the safety of surgical skin cancer care implemented with national COVID-19 guidelines.
• To compare outcomes between surgically treated patients and a control group on the waiting list.

Main Methods:

• A prospective cohort study design was employed.
• Patients undergoing elective skin cancer surgery during the UK COVID-19 peak (April-May 2020) were included.
• A control group of patients on the waiting list was matched for key demographic and comorbidity factors. Real-time data collection and 30-day follow-up were performed.

Main Results:

• No COVID-19 related deaths occurred among 767 surgical patients.
• No significant differences in symptom development or positive COVID-19 tests were observed between the surgery group (n=384) and the control group (n=100).
• The groups were well-matched for age, sex, ethnicity, BMI, comorbidities, smoking status, and COVID-19 contact history.

Conclusions:

• The findings support the continued provision of safe surgical services for skin cancer patients.
• Surgical management of skin cancer does not appear to increase patient risk in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Maintaining cancer treatment continuity is vital, even during widespread public health emergencies.