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Global and Current Research Trends of Single-Cell Sequencing in Cancer: A Bibliometric and Visualization Study
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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
Summary
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.
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