Cancer Patients Suffered a Pandemic Double Whammy

Early disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic likely had a measurable impact on cancer survival rates, according to a new federally funded study. Researchers found that individuals receiving a cancer diagnosis in 2020 and 2021 experienced lower short-term survival rates compared to those diagnosed between 2015 and 2019.

Understanding the Impact

The study, published in JAMA Oncology, is being described as the first to specifically assess how pandemic-related disruptions affected cancer patients’ short-term survival. While COVID-19 itself posed a direct threat to those with cancer, researchers focused on isolating the effects of broader healthcare system challenges. The analysis considered patients diagnosed with a range of cancers, regardless of whether their diagnosis occurred at an early or late stage.

Did You Know? The study analyzed national cancer registry data to focus on patients with a first diagnosis of malignant cancer in 2020 and 2021.

Todd Burus, lead author of the study and a specialist in medical data analysis from the University of Kentucky, noted that while the research couldn’t definitively pinpoint the cause of the decreased survival rates, “disruptions to the health care system were probably a key contributor.” These disruptions included widespread postponements of crucial cancer screenings, such as colonoscopies, mammograms, and lung scans, as hospitals and medical staff were overwhelmed by the pandemic.

Survival Rates and Specific Cancers

The study examined one-year survival rates, factoring in the stage of diagnosis. Researchers found that over 96% of individuals diagnosed with early-stage cancer in 2020 and 2021 survived more than a year, while over 74% of those with late-stage diagnoses also survived beyond one year. However, these rates were slightly lower than expected based on pre-pandemic trends.

the researchers estimate that approximately 17,400 more deaths occurred than would have been anticipated based on 2015-2019 data. The most significant differences in survival rates were observed in cases of colorectal, prostate, and pancreatic cancers.

Expert Insight: This study highlights the critical importance of consistent cancer screening and timely diagnosis. Disruptions to these processes, even during a crisis, can have serious consequences for patient outcomes.

Recinda Sherman, a researcher with the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries who was not involved in the study, emphasized the importance of this research. She stated, “As this study is the first to document pandemic-related, cause-specific survival, I think it is important. The more we understand about the impact of COVID-19, the better we will be able to prepare for the next one.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What did the study measure?

The study measured one-year survival rates for patients diagnosed with cancer in 2020 and 2021, comparing them to rates from 2015-2019.

Were all types of cancer affected equally?

No, the study found the most significant differences in survival rates for colorectal, prostate, and pancreatic cancers.

Did the researchers determine the exact cause of the lower survival rates?

The researchers were unable to definitively determine the cause, but they believe disruptions to the healthcare system, such as postponed screenings, were a key contributor.

Looking ahead, healthcare systems may need to prioritize strategies to address potential backlogs in cancer screenings and ensure timely access to diagnostic procedures. Further research could explore the long-term effects of pandemic-related disruptions on cancer survival and identify interventions to mitigate these impacts. It is also possible that future studies will reveal additional factors contributing to the observed changes in survival rates.

How might these findings influence your approach to preventative health screenings and discussions with your healthcare provider?