Impact of Covid Lockdowns on Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
A recent study suggests that as many as a million cancer cases may have been overlooked globally due to the effects of Covid-19 lockdowns. Scientists found that diagnosis rates dropped by 23% and treatments by 28% in the first year of the pandemic. The International Agency for Research on Cancer highlighted a significant decrease in screening tests, exacerbating the issue.
Long-lasting Effects of the Pandemic
The impact of the pandemic on cancer diagnosis and treatment was most severe in 2020 but continued throughout the subsequent lockdowns. The World Health Organisation, with the help of experts from the IARC, reviewed 246 studies in 46 countries to understand the full extent of the problem. Fear of contracting Covid and the suspension of non-urgent care in hospitals further contributed to the missed cases.
The Situation in the UK
Notably, the UK experienced a substantial decline in cancer diagnoses, with numbers dropping from 327,174 in 2019 to 288,753 in 2020. This decline was attributed to fewer medical appointments and individuals being hesitant to seek healthcare from the NHS. The country also saw a rise in the NHS waiting list, reaching 7.8 million, indicating the strain on the healthcare system.
Efforts to Address Missed Cases
Recognizing the severity of the situation, health authorities have implemented catch-up programs to identify and address the missed cancer cases. It is crucial to prioritize the timely diagnosis and treatment of cancer to prevent further negative impacts on public health.
