Trends in breast and prostate cancer screening and diagnostic procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic in central Massachusetts - Cancer Causes & Control
Source : https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10552-022-01616-4
Purpose We calculated rates of breast and prostate cancer screening and diagnostic procedures performed during the COVID-19 pandemic through December 2021 compared to the same months in 2019 in a large healthcare provider group in central Massachusetts. Methods We included active patients of the provider group between January 2019 and December 2021 aged 30-85 years.
Conclusion: The observed decline in two common screening procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic reflects the impact of the pandemic on cancer early detection and signals potential downstream effects on the prognosis of delayed cancer diagnoses. The slower rate of return for breast cancer screening procedures in certain subgroups should be investigated to ensure all women return for routine screenings.