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Prognosis of Patients with Breast Cancer Following Delayed Diagnosis During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Real-World

Jae Pak Yi1,2, Chang Ik Yoon3, Su Hyun Lim1

  • 1Department of Surgery, Incheon St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Incheon, Korea.

Annals of Surgical Oncology
|December 5, 2024
PubMed

Insights

The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted breast cancer recurrence-free survival, particularly in younger patients. Continued emphasis on timely cancer screening is vital for all age groups.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global healthcare, causing delays in cancer care.
  • South Korea's lockdown led to postponed breast cancer diagnoses and treatments.
  • Addressing the resulting treatment gap is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on breast cancer outcomes in South Korea.
  • To compare recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) between pre-pandemic and pandemic periods.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort study of 716 breast cancer patients from five South Korean academic hospitals.
  • Comparison of patients diagnosed during May-July 2019 (pre-COVID) and May-July 2020 (COVID).
  • Primary endpoint: 3-year RFS. Secondary endpoints: 3-year OS, stage distribution, and age subgroups.

Main Results:

  • 3-year RFS was significantly lower in the COVID group (88.3%) compared to the pre-COVID group (89.7%).
  • 3-year OS was similar between groups (96.2% vs. 95.5%).
  • Younger patients (<65 years) showed a significant RFS difference, unlike older patients. Stage distribution remained comparable.

Conclusions:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected 3-year RFS in breast cancer patients, especially younger ones.
  • No significant increase in advanced-stage disease was observed during the pandemic.
  • Maintaining timely cancer screening is essential, particularly for younger populations.
Abstract

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