COVID-19’s Lingering Impact: Cancer Survival Rates Still Feeling the Strain
Early disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic continue to affect cancer survival rates, according to a new study published in JAMA Oncology. Researchers found that individuals diagnosed with cancer in 2020 and 2021 experienced lower short-term survival rates compared to those diagnosed before the pandemic, between 2015 and 2019.
The Ripple Effect of Delayed Diagnoses
The study, which analyzed data from over 1 million cancer patients, revealed that the impact wasn’t limited to specific cancer types or stages. Both early-stage and late-stage diagnoses showed reduced one-year survival rates. This suggests that the pandemic’s effects weren’t solely due to patients presenting with more advanced disease, but rather a broader disruption to the healthcare system.
The primary driver behind these declines is believed to be delays in cancer screenings and diagnoses. As hospitals became overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients in 2020, routine procedures like colonoscopies, mammograms, and lung scans were postponed. This created a backlog, delaying critical early detection efforts.
Quantifying the Impact: More Than 17,000 Excess Deaths
Researchers estimate that approximately 17,400 more deaths occurred than would have been expected based on pre-pandemic trends. Even as COVID-19 directly contributed to some of these deaths in cancer patients, the study focused on isolating the impact of healthcare disruptions. The most significant differences were observed in colorectal, prostate, and pancreatic cancers.
Beyond Screening: Treatment Disruptions
Delays weren’t limited to initial diagnosis. Treatment plans were also affected, with some patients experiencing postponements in surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. These disruptions, combined with the overall strain on the healthcare system, likely contributed to the observed decline in survival rates.
Looking Ahead: Long-Term Consequences and Preparedness
The study highlights the vulnerability of cancer care to systemic shocks. Experts emphasize the need for proactive measures to mitigate the impact of future public health crises. This includes strengthening telehealth infrastructure, prioritizing cancer screening programs, and ensuring flexible healthcare capacity.
Recinda Sherman, a researcher with the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries, emphasized the importance of understanding the long-term consequences of the pandemic. “The more we understand about the impact of COVID-19, the better we will be able to prepare for the next one,” she stated.
FAQ
Q: Did COVID-19 directly cause these deaths?
A: While COVID-19 was dangerous for cancer patients, researchers specifically worked to filter out deaths primarily attributed to the coronavirus to assess the impact of other disruptions.
Q: What types of cancer were most affected?
A: Colorectal, prostate, and pancreatic cancers showed the largest differences in survival rates.
Q: What can be done to prevent this in the future?
A: Strengthening telehealth, prioritizing cancer screenings, and ensuring flexible healthcare capacity are crucial steps.
Q: What were the one-year survival rates?
A: More than 96% of people with early-stage cancer and more than 74% with late-stage cancer survived more than a year, but these rates were slightly lower than expected based on pre-pandemic trends.
Did you know? The study is considered the first to specifically assess the effects of pandemic-related disruptions on the short-term survival of cancer patients.
Pro Tip: Don’t delay recommended cancer screenings. Early detection is crucial for improving survival rates.
Have you or a loved one experienced delays in cancer care due to the pandemic? Share your story in the comments below. Explore our other articles on cancer prevention and treatment for more information. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on health and wellness.
