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Creavin A, Creavin S, Kenward C, Sterne J, Williams J. Inequality in uptake of bowel cancer screening by deprivation, ethnicity and smoking status: cross-sectional study in 86 850 citizens. J Public Health (Oxf) 2023; 45:904-911. [PMID: 37738548 PMCID: PMC10689000 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdad179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Survival from colorectal cancer depends on stage at detection. In England, bowel cancer mortality has historically been highest in deprived areas. During the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was necessary to temporarily halt many screening programmes, which may have led to inequalities in uptake since screening restarted. METHODS Cross-sectional data from the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Systemwide Dataset were analyzed. Associations of baseline characteristics with uptake of bowel screening were examined using logistic regression. RESULTS Amongst 86 850 eligible adults aged 60-74 years, 5261 had no screening record. There was little evidence of association between no screening and sex (adjusted odds ratio 0.95 (95% confidence interval 0.90, 1.02)). Absence of screening record was associated with deprivation (1.26 (1.14, 1.40) for the most compared with the least deprived groups), smoking (1.11 (1.04, 1.18)) compared with no smoking record and black (1.36 (1.09, 1.70)) and mixed (1.08 (1.01, 1.15)) ethnicity compared with white ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS In a data set covering a whole NHS Integrated Care Board, there was evidence of lower uptake of bowel cancer screening in adults living in more deprived areas, of minority ethnic groups and who smoked. These findings may help focus community engagement work and inform research aimed at reducing inequalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Creavin
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Bristol City Council, Communities and Public Health, Bristol, UK
| | - Sam Creavin
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Bristol North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB, Bristol, UK
| | - Charlie Kenward
- Bristol North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB, Bristol, UK
| | - Jonathan Sterne
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Jo Williams
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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2
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Morgan T, Gott M, Williams L, Naden J, Wang Y, Smith B, Fanueli E, Budi Setyawati M, Morgan K, Robinson J, Anderson N, Carey M, Moeke-Maxwell T. A bad time to die? Exploring bereaved families/wha-nau experiences of end-of-life care under COVID-19 restrictions: a qualitative interview study. Palliat Care Soc Pract 2023; 17:26323524231189525. [PMID: 37584059 PMCID: PMC10424543 DOI: 10.1177/26323524231189525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background There have been international concerns raised that, during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an absence of good palliative care resulting in poor end-of-life care experiences. To date, there have been few studies considering the pandemic's impact on people dying from non-COVID-19 causes and their families and friends. In particular, there has been very less empirical research in relation to end-of-life care for Indigenous, migrant and minoritised ethnic communities. Objectives To explore bereaved next-of-kin's views and experiences of end-of-life care under COVID-19 pandemic regulations. Design This qualitative study involved in-depth one-off interviews with 30 ethnically diverse next-of-kin who had a family member die in the first year of the pandemic in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Methods Interviews were conducted by ethnically matched interviewers/interviewees. A reflexive thematic analysis was used to explore and conceptualise their accounts. Results A key finding was that dying alone and contracting COVID-19 were seen as equally significant risks by bereaved families. Through this analysis, we identified five key themes: (1) compromised connection; (2) uncertain communication; (3) cultural safety; (4) supported grieving and (5) silver linings. Conclusion This article emphasises the importance of enabling safe and supported access for family/whanau to be with their family/wha-nau member at end-of-life. We identify a need for wider provision of bereavement support. We recommend that policy makers increase resourcing of palliative care services to ensure that patients and their families receive high-quality end-of-life care, both during and post this pandemic. Policy makers could also promote a culturally-diverse end-of-life care work force and the embedding of culturally-safety practices across a range of institutions where people die.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa Morgan
- Applied Social Science Group, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, The University of Cambridge, Forvie Site, Cambridge CB2 0SR, UK
| | - Merryn Gott
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Lisa Williams
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Joe Naden
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Yingmin Wang
- School of Foreign Studies and School of International Culture, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Brianna Smith
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Elizabeth Fanueli
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Martyarini Budi Setyawati
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Kathryn Morgan
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jackie Robinson
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Natalie Anderson
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Melissa Carey
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Tess Moeke-Maxwell
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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3
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Bharwani A, Li D, Vermund SH. A Review of the Effect of COVID-19-Related Lockdowns on Global Cancer Screening. Cureus 2023; 15:e40268. [PMID: 37448422 PMCID: PMC10336183 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.40268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 lockdowns have led to significant disruptions in preventative health services worldwide. This review aims to assess the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on worldwide preventive cancer screening participation. Major medical databases were searched using the keywords 'lockdown,' 'cancer,' and 'screening or diagnosis,' and relevant articles were evaluated against inclusion and exclusion criteria. The final review consisted of 38 studies. The impact of COVID-19 on screening uptake was categorized based on cancer type. All types of screening had decreased participation during or around the lockdown period. Racial and socioeconomic disparities, provider-related barriers, and patient attitudes about service disruptions during the pandemic were also highlighted in this review. Future research should focus on data from low- and middle-income countries to obtain a more comprehensive picture of the problem. Policy interventions that adopt self-screening or different screening intervals can also be considered to reduce impacts in future crises. Insights from existing studies and future research will allow for more proactive measures to manage future disruptions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dan Li
- Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, USA
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4
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Nonboe MH, Napolitano G, Schroll JB, Vejborg I, Waldstrøm M, Lynge E. Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on breast and cervical cancer screening in Denmark: A register-based study. eLife 2023; 12:81605. [PMID: 36943035 PMCID: PMC10030107 DOI: 10.7554/elife.81605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Denmark was one of the few countries where it was politically decided to continue cancer screening during the COVID-19 pandemic. We assessed the actual population uptake of mammography and cervical screening during this period. Methods The first COVID-19 lockdown in Denmark was announced on 11 March 2020. To investigate possible changes in cancer screening activity due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we analysed data from the beginning of 2017 until the end of 2021. A time series analysis was carried out to discover possible trends and outliers in the screening activities in the period 2017-2021. Data on mammography screening and cervical screening were retrieved from governmental pandemic-specific monitoring of health care activities. Results A brief drop was seen in screening activity right after the first COVID-19 lockdown, but the activity quickly returned to its previous level. A short-term deficit of 43% [CI -49 to -37] was found for mammography screening. A short-term deficit of 62% [CI -65 to -58] was found for cervical screening. Furthermore, a slight, statistically significant downward trend in cervical screening from 2018 to 2021 was probably unrelated to the pandemic. Other changes, for example, a marked drop in mammography screening towards the end of 2021, also seem unrelated to the pandemic. Conclusions Denmark continued cancer screening during the pandemic, but following the first lockdown a temporary drop was seen in breast and cervical screening activity. Funding Region Zealand (R22-A597).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mette Hartmann Nonboe
- Center for Epidemiological Research, Nykøbing Falster Hospital, Nykøbing Falster, Denmark
| | - George Napolitano
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Ilse Vejborg
- Department of Breast Examinations, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev/Gentofte, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Elsebeth Lynge
- Center for Epidemiological Research, Nykøbing Falster Hospital, Nykøbing Falster, Denmark
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5
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Olesen TB, Jensen H, Møller H, Jensen JW, Waldstrøm M, Andersen B. Participation in the nationwide cervical cancer screening programme in Denmark during the COVID-19 pandemic: An observational study. eLife 2023; 12:81522. [PMID: 36661213 PMCID: PMC9904756 DOI: 10.7554/elife.81522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In contrast to most of the world, the cervical cancer screening programme continued in Denmark throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We examined the cervical cancer screening participation during the pandemic in Denmark. Methods We included all women aged 23-64 y old invited to participate in cervical cancer screening from 2015 to 2021 as registered in the Cervical Cancer Screening Database combined with population-wide registries. Using a generalised linear model, we estimated prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% CIs of cervical cancer screening participation within 90, 180, and 365 d since invitation during the pandemic in comparison with the previous years adjusting for age, year, and month of invitation. Results Altogether, 2,220,000 invited women (in 1,466,353 individuals) were included in the study. Before the pandemic, 36% of invited women participated in screening within 90 d, 54% participated within 180 d, and 65% participated within 365 d. At the start of the pandemic, participation in cervical cancer screening within 90 d was lower (pre-lockdown PR = 0.58; 95% CI: 0.56-0.59 and first lockdown PR = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.75-0.77) compared with the previous years. A reduction in participation within 180 d was also seen during pre-lockdown (PR = 0.89; 95% CI: 0.88-0.90) and first lockdown (PR = 0.92; 95% CI: 0.91-0.93). Allowing for 365 d to participation, only a slight reduction (3%) in participation was seen with slightly lower participation in some groups (immigrants, low education, and low income). Conclusions The overall participation in cervical cancer screening was reduced during the early phase of the pandemic. However, the decline almost diminished with longer follow-up time. Funding The study was funded by the Danish Cancer Society Scientific Committee (grant number R321-A17417) and the Danish regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Bech Olesen
- The Danish Clinical Quality Program - National Clinical RegistriesAarhusDenmark
| | - Henry Jensen
- The Danish Clinical Quality Program - National Clinical RegistriesAarhusDenmark
| | - Henrik Møller
- The Danish Clinical Quality Program - National Clinical RegistriesAarhusDenmark
| | - Jens Winther Jensen
- The Danish Clinical Quality Program - National Clinical RegistriesAarhusDenmark
| | - Marianne Waldstrøm
- Department of Pathology, Lillebaelt HospitalVejleDenmark
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern DenmarkOdenseDenmark
| | - Berit Andersen
- University Research Clinic for Cancer Screening, Department of Public Health Programmes,Randers Regional HospitalAarhusDenmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
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6
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Ferrara P, Dallagiacoma G, Alberti F, Gentile L, Bertuccio P, Odone A. Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer: A systematic review of the impact of COVID-19 on patient care. Prev Med 2022; 164:107264. [PMID: 36150446 PMCID: PMC9487163 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2022.107264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Worldwide, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted healthcare services, including cervical cancer management, and an increased burden for this condition is expected. This systematic review synthetizes the available evidence on the impact of the pandemic on prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer. Searches were performed on PubMed, Embase, and Scopus for relevant studies on these topics with the purpose of comparing service access and care delivery before and during COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the methodological heterogeneity among the studies, findings were narratively discussed. Of the 715 screened titles and abstracts, 33 articles were included, corresponding to 42 reports that covered the outcomes of interest: vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) (6 reports), cancer screening (19), diagnosis (8), and treatment (8). Seven studies observed reductions in HPV vaccination uptake and coverage during COVID-19. Reports on cervical screening and cancer diagnosis activities showed a substantial impact of the pandemic on access to screening services and diagnostic procedures. All but one study that investigated cervical cancer treatment reported changes in the number of women with cervical lesions who received treatments, as well as treatment delay and interruption. With a major impact during the first wave in 2020, COVID-19 and restriction measures resulted in a substantial disruption in cervical cancer prevention and management, with declines in screening and delays in treatment. Taken together, findings from this systematic review calls for urgent policy interventions for recovering cervical cancer prevention and care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Ferrara
- Center for Public Health Research, University of Milan-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 20145 Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Dallagiacoma
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Federica Alberti
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Leandro Gentile
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Paola Bertuccio
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Anna Odone
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
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7
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Burger EA, de Kok IMCM, O'Mahony JF, Rebolj M, Jansen EEL, de Bondt DD, Killen J, Hanley SJ, Castanon A, Regan MC, Kim JJ, Canfell K, Smith MA. A model-based analysis of the health impacts of COVID-19 disruptions to primary cervical screening by time since last screen for current and future disruptions. eLife 2022; 11:e81711. [PMID: 36222673 PMCID: PMC9555861 DOI: 10.7554/elife.81711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We evaluated how temporary disruptions to primary cervical cancer (CC) screening services may differentially impact women due to heterogeneity in their screening history and test modality. We used three CC models to project the short- and long-term health impacts assuming an underlying primary screening frequency (i.e., 1, 3, 5, or 10 yearly) under three alternative COVID-19-related screening disruption scenarios (i.e., 1-, 2-, or 5-year delay) versus no delay in the context of both cytology-based and human papillomavirus (HPV)-based screening. Models projected a relative increase in symptomatically detected cancer cases during a 1-year delay period that was 38% higher (Policy1-Cervix), 80% higher (Harvard), and 170% higher (MISCAN-Cervix) for underscreened women whose last cytology screen was 5 years prior to the disruption period compared with guidelines-compliant women (i.e., last screen 3 years prior to disruption). Over a woman's lifetime, temporary COVID-19-related delays had less impact on lifetime risk of developing CC than screening frequency and test modality; however, CC risks increased disproportionately the longer time had elapsed since a woman's last screen at the time of the disruption. Excess risks for a given delay period were generally lower for HPV-based screeners than for cytology-based screeners. Our independent models predicted that the main drivers of CC risk were screening frequency and screening modality, and the overall impact of disruptions from the pandemic on CC outcomes may be small. However, screening disruptions disproportionately affect underscreened women, underpinning the importance of reaching such women as a critical area of focus, regardless of temporary disruptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A Burger
- Center for Health Decision Science, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthBostonUnited States
- Department of Health Management and Health Economics, University of OsloOsloNorway
| | - Inge MCM de Kok
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center RotterdamRotterdamNetherlands
| | - James F O'Mahony
- Centre for Health Policy & Management, School of Medicine, Trinity College DublinDublinIreland
| | - Matejka Rebolj
- Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Erik EL Jansen
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center RotterdamRotterdamNetherlands
| | - Daniel D de Bondt
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center RotterdamRotterdamNetherlands
| | - James Killen
- Cancer Research Division, Cancer Council NSWSydneyAustralia
| | - Sharon J Hanley
- Hokkaido University Center for Environmental and Health SciencesSapporoJapan
| | - Alejandra Castanon
- Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Mary Caroline Regan
- Center for Health Decision Science, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthBostonUnited States
| | - Jane J Kim
- Center for Health Decision Science, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthBostonUnited States
| | - Karen Canfell
- Daffodil Centre, University of Sydney, a joint venture with Cancer Council NSWSydneyAustralia
| | - Megan A Smith
- Daffodil Centre, University of Sydney, a joint venture with Cancer Council NSWSydneyAustralia
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8
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Allahqoli L, Mazidimoradi A, Salehiniya H, Alkatout I. Impact of COVID-19 on cancer screening: a global perspective. Curr Opin Support Palliat Care 2022; 16:102-109. [PMID: 35862881 PMCID: PMC9451605 DOI: 10.1097/spc.0000000000000602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Cancer screening disruption due to COVID-19 may have a significant impact on patients, healthcare practitioners, and healthcare systems. In this present review, we aim to offer a comprehensive view of the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer screening programs worldwide. RECENT FINDINGS The present review comprised 33 publications. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the rates of cancer screening investigations were drastically reduced worldwide. Screening rates plummeted for all types of cancer, all ages, and racial/ethnic groups. Reductions in screening percentages were higher in several underserved racial groups. Cancer screening was suspended for at least 30 days in 13 countries. SUMMARY Screenings for all types of cancer fell sharply. In the chain of cancer management, delays in any step are liable to change the outcome of the next step. Further long-term research will be needed to fully comprehend the impact of the pandemic on cancer services and patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hamid Salehiniya
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Ibrahim Alkatout
- University Hospitals Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel School of Gynaecological Endoscopy, Kiel, Germany
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9
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Advanced-Stage Melanoma at Presentation Following the Peak of the Pandemic: A COVID-19 Cancer Canary in a Coal Mine. World J Surg 2022; 46:1820-1825. [PMID: 35691970 PMCID: PMC9188812 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-022-06623-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Background For melanoma patients, timely identification and tumor thickness are directly correlated with outcomes. COVID-19 impacted both patients’ ability and desire to see physicians. We sought to identify whether the pandemic correlated with changes in melanoma thickness at presentation and subsequent treatment timeline. Methods Retrospective chart review was performed on patients who underwent surgery for melanoma in an academic center surgical oncology practice from May 2019 to September 2021. Patients were split into two cohorts: “pre-pandemic” from May 2019 to May 2020 and “pandemic,” after May 2020, representing when these patients received their initial diagnostic biopsy. Demographic and melanoma-specific variables were recorded and analyzed. Results A total of 112 patients were identified: 51 patients from the “pre-pandemic” and 61 from the “pandemic” time period. The pandemic cohort more frequently presented with lesions greater than 1 mm thickness compared to pre-pandemic (68.8% v 49%, p = 0.033) and were found to have significantly more advanced T stage (p = 0.02) and overall stage disease (p = 0.022). Additionally, trends show that for pandemic patients more time passed from patient-reported lesion appearance/change to diagnostic biopsy (5.7 ± 2.0 v 7.1 ± 1.5 months, p = 0.581), but less time from biopsy to operation (42.9 ± 2.4 v 52.9 ± 5.0 days, p = 0.06). Conclusions “Pandemic” patients presented with thicker melanoma lesions and more advanced-stage disease. These results may portend a dangerous trend toward later stage at presentation, for melanoma and other cancers with rapid growth patterns, that will emerge as the prolonged effects of the pandemic continue to impact patients’ presentation for medical care.
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10
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Burger EA, de Kok IMCM, O'Mahony JF, Rebolj M, Jansen EEL, de Bondt DD, Killen J, Hanley SJ, Castanon A, Kim JJ, Canfell K, Smith MA, Regan MC. Health impacts of COVID-19 disruptions to primary cervical screening by time since last screen: A model-based analysis for current and future disruptions. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2022:2022.07.25.22278011. [PMID: 35923317 PMCID: PMC9347288 DOI: 10.1101/2022.07.25.22278011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background We evaluated how temporary disruptions to primary cervical cancer (CC) screening services may differentially impact women due to heterogeneity in their screening history and test modality. Methods We used three CC models to project the short- and long-term health impacts assuming an underlying primary screening frequency (i.e., 1, 3, 5, or 10 yearly) under three alternative COVID-19-related screening disruption scenarios (i.e., 1-, 2- or 5-year delay) versus no delay, in the context of both cytology-based and HPV-based screening. Results Models projected a relative increase in symptomatically-detected cancer cases during a 1-year delay period that was 38% higher (Policy1-Cervix), 80% higher (Harvard) and 170% higher (MISCAN-Cervix) for under-screened women whose last cytology screen was 5 years prior to the disruption period compared with guidelines-compliant women (i.e., last screen three years prior to disruption). Over a woman's lifetime, temporary COVID-19-related delays had less impact on lifetime risk of developing CC than screening frequency and test modality; however, CC risks increased disproportionately the longer time had elapsed since a woman's last screen at the time of the disruption. Excess risks for a given delay period were generally lower for HPV-based screeners than for cytology-based screeners. Conclusions Our independent models predicted that the main drivers of CC risk were screening frequency and screening modality, and the overall impact of disruptions from the pandemic on CC outcomes may be small. However, screening disruptions disproportionately affect under-screened women, underpinning the importance of reaching such women as a critical area of focus, regardless of temporary disruptions. Funding This study was supported by funding from the National Cancer Institute (U01CA199334). The contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the National Cancer Institute. Megan A Smith receives salary support from the National Health and Medical Research Council, Australia (APP1159491) and Cancer Institute NSW (ECF181561). Matejka Rebolj is funded by Cancer Research UK (reference: C8162/A27047). James O'Mahony is funded by Ireland's Health Research Board (EIA2017054). Karen Canfell receives salary support from the National Health and Medical Research Council, Australia (APP1194679). Emily A. Burger receives salary support from the Norwegian Cancer Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A Burger
- Department of Health Management and Health Economics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Inge M C M de Kok
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - James F O'Mahony
- Centre for Health Policy & Management, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Matejka Rebolj
- King's College London, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, London, United Kingdom
| | - Erik E L Jansen
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel D de Bondt
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - James Killen
- Cancer Research Division, Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sharon J Hanley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Alejandra Castanon
- King's College London, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jane J Kim
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Center for Health Decision Science, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Karen Canfell
- Daffodil Centre, University of Sydney, a joint venture with Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Megan A Smith
- Daffodil Centre, University of Sydney, a joint venture with Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mary Caroline Regan
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Center for Health Decision Science, Boston, MA, USA
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11
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Leeson S, Evered A, Powell G, Lilly K, Singh N, Hillier S, Dunk L. Early Welsh cervical screening programme learning as a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic. Cytopathology 2021; 33:350-356. [PMID: 34935223 DOI: 10.1111/cyt.13091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus pandemic has had a profound impact on the cervical screening programme in Wales for the eligible women, sample takers and laboratory and colposcopy services. AIMS To explore what changes due the pandemic have adversely affected screening outcomes in Wales and what lessons can be learned to improve cervical screening in Wales and elsewhere. METHODS A review of the screening performance in 2020 and the first quarter of 2021 in Wales as well as a comparison with other cervical screening programme responses to the pandemic. RESULTS A three-month pause of screening together with a change in a variety of working practices, including social distancing, use of personal protective equipment, use of virtual meetings and home working have been implemented. The combination of a pause to the issue of invitations, plus reduced services in primary and secondary care, together with population lockdown, have contributed to longer waiting times for colposcopy and potentially delayed cancer diagnoses. Some programme changes which were being evaluated prior to the pandemic could be developed now to mitigate the impact of the pandemic such as improved information, increased screening intervals for human papillomavirus-based screening programmes and home working for call and recall staff. CONCLUSIONS Despite a considerable short-term interruption to the cervical screening programme, some changes introduced as a result of the coronavirus pandemic could provide key lessons learnt for improvement for cervical cancer prevention services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Leeson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, LL57 2PW, UK
| | - Andrew Evered
- Cervical Screening Wales, Screening Division Laboratory, Green Meadow, Pontyclun, Llantrisant, Mid Glamorgan, CF72 8XT, UK
| | - Gareth Powell
- Cervical Screening Wales, Screening Division Laboratory, Green Meadow, Pontyclun, Llantrisant, Mid Glamorgan, CF72 8XT, UK
| | - Kate Lilly
- Public Health Wales, 2 Capital Quarter, Tyndall Street, Cardiff, CF10 4BZ, UK
| | - Neelam Singh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, LL57 2PW, UK
| | - Sharon Hillier
- Public Health Wales, 2 Capital Quarter, Tyndall Street, Cardiff, CF10 4BZ, UK
| | - Louise Dunk
- Public Health Wales, 2 Capital Quarter, Tyndall Street, Cardiff, CF10 4BZ, UK
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Harber I, Zeidan D, Aslam MN. Colorectal Cancer Screening: Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic and Possible Consequences. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11121297. [PMID: 34947828 PMCID: PMC8707125 DOI: 10.3390/life11121297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Colonoscopy procedure has been the key screening method to detect colorectal cancer (CRC). As a fatal disease, CRC needs early detection. The COVID-19 pandemic caused screening tests (colonoscopy) to be halted and delayed. As a result, there could be dire consequences such as later-stage or missed diagnosis or greater mortality. This report will analyze scientific literature pertaining to interrupted CRC screenings due to COVID-19 while drawing historical parallels from the 1918 flu pandemic. We conducted literature searches in the PubMed database as well as in Google Scholar. One of the main lessons learned from the 1918 flu pandemic was to employ social distancing to stop the spread of the virus. So, the global response at the start and peak of the COVID-19 pandemic was decreased hospital visits for any non-emergency cases. That led to a halt and delays in cancer (including CRC) screenings. The Medical community predicted this lag will cause more CRC cases and deaths in the future. However, reorganizing and changing screening method strategies were helpful during the ongoing pandemic. In conclusion, COVID-19 greatly affected CRC screening, including how we view the future of CRC screening. We can learn from this prospect to better prepare for future pandemics or other public health crises.
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