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Measuring the Association Between the COVID-19 Pandemic and Cancer Incidence by Sex Using a Quasi-Experimental Study
Kathleen M Decker1,2,3, Allison Feely2, Iresha Ratnayake2,3
1Paul Albrechtsen Research Institute, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
JCO Clinical Cancer Informatics
|October 30, 2025
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic impacted cancer incidence differently in males and females in Manitoba. Sex-based differences in cancer diagnoses, particularly for brain, CNS, urinary, and colon cancers, require further investigation due to ongoing deficits.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with disruptions in healthcare services.
- Understanding its impact on cancer diagnosis rates is crucial for public health planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the COVID-19 pandemic and cancer incidence, examining sex-based differences in Manitoba, Canada.
- To compare cancer diagnosis rates in males and females before and after the pandemic's onset.
Main Methods:
- A population-based quasi-experimental study design was employed.
- Interrupted time-series analysis was used to compare cancer incidence rates.
- Data spanned from January 2015 to December 2019 (pre-pandemic) and April 2020 to December 2022 (pandemic).
Main Results:
- Colon cancer incidence decreased significantly in both sexes early in the pandemic, with ongoing deficits for females.
- Brain and CNS cancer incidence saw notable decreases in males and females, with persistent deficits for males.
- Urinary cancer incidence decreased in males but remained stable in females, while head and neck cancers decreased in males.
- Significant cumulative deficits were observed for male brain/CNS and urinary cancers, and female colon cancer.
Conclusions:
- Sex-based differences exist in the relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and age-standardized cancer incidence.
- Ongoing deficits in diagnoses for specific cancers (brain, CNS, urinary, colon) necessitate further follow-up and investigation.
- These findings highlight the need for sex-specific strategies in cancer surveillance and care post-pandemic.
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