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Has COVID-19 Affected Cancer Screening Programs? A Systematic Review

Ibrahim Alkatout1, Matthias Biebl2, Zohre Momenimovahed3

  • 1Kiel School of Gynaecological Endoscopy, University Hospitals Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany.

Frontiers in Oncology
|June 3, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic significantly disrupted cancer screening services, leading to fewer diagnoses and more advanced cancers. Urgent interventions are needed to address the backlog and prevent avoidable cancer deaths.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted global healthcare services, including oncology.
  • Cancer screening programs were curtailed due to resource reallocation and infection control measures.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer screening.
  • To analyze the consequences of these disruptions on cancer diagnosis and patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature review was conducted.
  • Searched databases included Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus for articles published until January 2021.
  • Keywords used were 'COVID-19' and 'cancer screening'.

Main Results:

  • The review analyzed 17 publications detailing the pandemic's effects.
  • Observed impacts included a significant decline in cancer screening and pathology samples.
  • There was a noted increase in advanced cancers, higher mortality rates, and increased Years of Life Lost (YLLs).

Conclusions:

  • Cancer screening programs experienced significant interruptions due to COVID-19.
  • Anticipated outcomes include delayed diagnoses and a rise in preventable cancer deaths.
  • Urgent policy interventions are crucial to manage diagnostic backlogs and mitigate adverse effects on cancer patients.
Keywords:
cancercoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)diagnosishealth carescreening

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