open access
SARS-CoV-2 as a new possible long-lasting determining factor impacting cancer death numbers. Based on the example of breast, colorectal and cervical cancer in Poland
Affiliations- Cancer Epidemiology and Primary Prevention Department, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
- National Cancer Registry, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
- Cancer Prevention Department, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
open access
Abstract
Introduction. So far, cancer burden has mainly been connected with the age structure of a given population and changes in risk factor exposure combined with lifestyle. Nowadays, available data indicates that the SARS-CoV-2 virus may be a new strong agent impacting the number of cancer deaths in the future.
Material and methods. In our study we analyzed changes in cancer screening as well as participation in a fast path of oncological diagnosis and treatment – before and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Poland – taking into consideration breast, colorectal and cervical cancer.
Results. We investigated substantial changes connected with the pandemic. In the case of cancer screening – despite the end of lockdown – population coverage and participation percentages are still lower than before the pandemic.
Discussion. Similar results were observed in different studies, e.g. in the United Kingdom similar declines are evident as well as a simultaneous prognosis of an increase in cancer death numbers.
Conclusions. Immediate health policy actions are needed in order to reverse unfavorable trends in cancer screening, treatment and ultimately in the number of cancer deaths in Poland.
Abstract
Introduction. So far, cancer burden has mainly been connected with the age structure of a given population and changes in risk factor exposure combined with lifestyle. Nowadays, available data indicates that the SARS-CoV-2 virus may be a new strong agent impacting the number of cancer deaths in the future.
Material and methods. In our study we analyzed changes in cancer screening as well as participation in a fast path of oncological diagnosis and treatment – before and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Poland – taking into consideration breast, colorectal and cervical cancer.
Results. We investigated substantial changes connected with the pandemic. In the case of cancer screening – despite the end of lockdown – population coverage and participation percentages are still lower than before the pandemic.
Discussion. Similar results were observed in different studies, e.g. in the United Kingdom similar declines are evident as well as a simultaneous prognosis of an increase in cancer death numbers.
Conclusions. Immediate health policy actions are needed in order to reverse unfavorable trends in cancer screening, treatment and ultimately in the number of cancer deaths in Poland.
Keywords
SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; cancer deaths; cancer prevention; Poland
About this articleTitle
SARS-CoV-2 as a new possible long-lasting determining factor impacting cancer death numbers. Based on the example of breast, colorectal and cervical cancer in Poland
Journal
Nowotwory. Journal of Oncology
Issue
Article type
Research paper (original)
Pages
42-46
Published online
2021-02-05
Page views
875
Article views/downloads
714
DOI
Bibliographic record
Nowotwory. Journal of Oncology 2021;71(1):42-46.
Keywords
SARS-CoV-2
COVID-19
cancer deaths
cancer prevention
Poland
Authors
Paweł Koczkodaj
Urszula Sulkowska
Michał F. Kamiński
Joanna Didkowska
References (12)- Didkowska J, Wojciechowska U, Czaderny K, et al. Nowotwory złośliwe w Polsce w 2017 roku. , Warszawa 2019: 43–44, 72–73.
- Arbyn M, Weiderpass E, Bruni L, et al. Estimates of incidence and mortality of cervical cancer in 2018: a worldwide analysis. Lancet Glob Health. 2020; 8(2): e191–e203.
- Nowakowski A, Wojciechowska U, Wieszczy P, et al. Trends in cervical cancer incidence and mortality in Poland: is there an impact of the introduction of the organised screening? Eur J Epidemiol. 2017; 32(6): 529–532.
- Sowa A. ESPN – Flash report 2015/9. Shortening waiting times in oncology treatment. Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, European Commission 2015: 5.
- Proposed Mission. Conquering cancer: mission possible. Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, European Commission. Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg 2020: 38.
- Data sourced from the National Health Fund in Poland. https://www.nfz.gov.pl/dla-pacjenta/programy-profilaktyczne/dane-o-realizacji-programow/ (15.09.2020).
- Data sourced from the Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology in Warsaw, Poland (on request) 11.09.2020.
- Data sourced from the National Health Fund in Poland (on request) 25.09.2020.
- Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F et al. Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Tomorrow. International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon 2018. https://gco.iarc.fr/tomorrow (26.09.2020).
- Koczkodaj P, Sulkowska U, Gotlib J, et al. Breast cancer mortality trends in Europe among women in perimenopausal and postmenopausal age (45+). Arch Med Sci. 2020; 16(1): 146–156.
- Maringe C, Spicer J, Morris M, et al. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer deaths due to delays in diagnosis in England, UK: a national, population-based, modelling study. Lancet Oncol. 2020; 21(8): 1023–1034.
- Sud A, Torr B, Jones M, et al. Effect of delays in the 2-week-wait cancer referral pathway during the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer survival in the UK: a modelling study. Lancet Oncol. 2020; 21(8): 1035–1044.