New Study Finds Dangerous Delays in Cancer Care During Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed millions of lives and taken an emotional, physical and financial toll on countless others all over the world. Now, a new national study details the devastating effect the COVID-19 crisis has had on cancer care. Specifically, fearing exposure to COVID-19, many people delayed or even skipped regular screenings. As a result, a growing number of cancers are being diagnosed at later stages when they require more complex treatment and often result in higher mortality rates.

We co-authored the study, which was conducted for the Community Oncology Alliance (COA) by Avalere Health and published in the November issue of the journal JCO Clinical Cancer Informatics. Its findings also show a substantial drop in procedures, surgeries, and treatments for patients with colon, prostate, lung and breast cancer among six million Medicare-aged adults in 2020.

The study’s overarching message is clear: if the downward trend in screenings and treatments continues, it will lead to a public health catastrophe. And though oncologists are reporting an increase in tests and screenings over the last few months, the numbers have yet to reach pre-pandemic levels.

One positive note within the research was the rapid adoption of telehealth and other strategies by community oncology practices, including Florida Cancer Specialists (FCS). Wanting to ensure our patients’ safety and continuity of care, we reacted quickly to make telehealth available in all of our clinics and used our medication delivery program to ship oncolytic drugs right to our patients’ doorstep. We also followed the safety protocols established by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) inside all of our clinics, including temperature screenings and questionnaires for patients and approved visitors.

To further ensure the health and safety of our patients, FCS is currently working with other organizations to support an important initiative from COA—a national awareness campaign encouraging patients to stay on top of treatments despite the presence of the pandemic. The campaign includes a national Public Service Announcement (PSA) delivering three important messages:

1. Do not delay getting screened for cancer, whether it is a routine or an annual screening, or if you think something is wrong.
2. Early cancer detection and treatment saves lives.
3. Screening is safe and conducted in facilities that are COVID-19 free and prioritize patient safety.

We understand the uncertainty and fear most people are feeling as COVID-19 cases continue surging across the country. We also understand that scheduling screening appointments can be difficult because the hospitals that house many screening facilities are struggling with shortages in personnel and resources.

But the importance of keeping up with your cancer procedures or screenings cannot be over-emphasized. FCS, along with other oncology clinics and hospitals, have in place the proper safety protocols to protect patients by preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Don’t let fear dictate your health. Resuming regular cancer screenings will save lives, not just in oncology, but in other areas of medicine as well.