Cancer screening information-seeking before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted routine cancer screening; however, it is unclear whether the public's cancer screening information-seeking behaviors changed. Our study examined cancer screening information-seeking before and after pandemic onset using data from the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service.

We analyzed screening inquiries from general public users before (3/27/19-3/26/20) and after (3/27/20-3/26/21) pandemic onset. We examined point of access, subjects of interaction, and referrals.

There were more general public cancer screening inquiries made post-pandemic onset (n = 1069; 56.1%) compared to before (n = 837, 43.9%). Although the proportion of breast cancer screening inquiries increased after pandemic onset, inquiries for cervical, colorectal, and other cancers decreased. Telephone inquiries increased, whereas email and instant chat inquiries decreased. Inquiries regarding finding healthcare services and managing costs increased, whereas screening tests and other subjects decreased. Referrals increased for the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program and other national/community organizations. All differences were significant at p ≤ .05.

We found potentially important changes in cancer screening information-seeking after pandemic onset, including increasing interest in breast cancer screening, yet decreasing interest in other cancer screening tests. Future work should evaluate how public health crises affect information seeking and influence intentions to screen for cancer.