The COVID-19 pandemic has undeniably left an indelible mark on our society, but one of its most alarming impacts is the potential for a surge in cancer deaths due to missed screenings and delayed diagnoses.
This ‘ticking cancer timebomb’, as it’s been aptly named, is a direct result of the healthcare system’s focus on combating the pandemic, often at the expense of other critical health services.
Research conducted by the University of Texas revealed a significant drop in cancer screenings during the pandemic. Lung cancer screenings fell by up to 24 percent, while breast cancer screenings saw a 14 percent decrease.
This equates to approximately 54,000 fewer screenings for lung cancer alone.
The tactic is to prepare the public by blaming it all on a few months missed appointments.
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Covid-19 Pandemic Lockdowns created a 'ticking cancer timebomb'https://t.co/Uoval8QngE pic.twitter.com/lHBlRE0fFs— DoorlessCarpš (@DoorlessCarp) September 29, 2023
The decline in early detection is particularly concerning as it directly correlates with survival rates. In 2020, there were 7,147 cases of localized colorectal cancer that should have been diagnosed, but only 5,983 actually were.
Similarly, there were 4,000 fewer diagnoses of localized breast cancer, 1,267 fewer localized lung cancer cases, and 3,447 fewer localized prostate cancer diagnoses.
These figures are not just numbers; they represent lives potentially lost due to delayed diagnosis and treatment. The survival benefits of early detection may be limited for a large segment of patients with cancer, according to the authors of the study.
The National Cancer Institute reported a significant drop in reports of breast, lung, colorectal, thyroid, prostate, and pancreatic cancers between March and May 2020.
The largest declines were seen in female breast, lung, and colorectal cancers, which are typically diagnosed through screening measures that millions of Americans missed due to the pandemic.
Lockdowns have created a 'ticking cancer timebomb': Doctors warn it'll be YEARS before death rates return to pre-pandemic levels – because hospitals focused on Covid https://t.co/Sv3dFlHbp8 pic.twitter.com/lSF6GT5EqO
— Daily Mail US (@DailyMail) September 29, 2023
This situation led to grave concerns among health experts. Dr. Karen E. Knudsen, CEO of the American Cancer Society, expressed deep concern about the implications of delayed diagnosis, which is typically associated with more aggressive disease and worse outcomes.
She emphasized the need to make up for lost ground on finding cancers early to maximize opportunities for effective treatment and survival.
The COVID-19 pandemic undeniably forced us to prioritize immediate threats, but we must not lose sight of other critical health issues. The ‘ticking cancer timebomb’ is a stark reminder of the long-term impacts of the pandemic on our healthcare system.
It’s crucial that we take immediate action to address this looming crisis and ensure that preventative healthcare gets back on track.
In conclusion, while we continue to grapple with the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s imperative that we also turn our attention to the potential cancer crisis that could be unfolding in its wake.
After all, the ‘ticking cancer timebomb’ is a stark reminder of the long-term impacts of the pandemic on our healthcare system.Ā
