Underserved Racial Groups Research Articles

Impact of COVID-19 on cancer screening: a global perspective.

Purpose of reviewCancer 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 findingsThe 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.SummaryScreenings 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.

Reduction in Standard Cancer Screening in 2020 throughout the U.S.

Simple SummaryThe COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on health care including cancer screening. We examined 2020 compared to the 2014–2019 cancer screening percentages in the United States (US) based on a national survey. We saw overall decreases in screening mammograms, pap tests, and sigmoidoscopy/colonoscopy. Most decreases were higher among American Indian/Alaskan Natives, Hispanics, and multiracial participants, but decreases in pap test were also high among African-Americans/Blacks. As the pandemic expanded into 2021, cancer screening reduction is expected to be higher, increasing cancer disparities.Cancer screening is an important way to reduce the burden of cancer. The COVID-19 pandemic created delays in screening with the potential to increase cancer disparities in the United States (U.S.). Data from the 2014–2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey were analyzed to estimate the percentages of adults who reported cancer screening in the last 12 months consistent with the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation for cervical (ages 21–65), breast (ages 50–74), and colorectal cancer (ages 50–75) prior to the pandemic. Cancer screening percentages for 2020 (April–December excluding January–March) were compared to screening percentages for 2014–2019 to begin to look at the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Screening percentages for 2020 were decreased from those for 2014–2019 including several underserved racial groups. Decreases in mammography and colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy were higher among American Indian/Alaskan Natives, Hispanics, and multiracial participants, but decreases in pap test were also highest among Hispanics, Whites, Asians, and African-Americans/Blacks. Decreases in mammograms among women ages 40–49 were also seen. As the 2020 comparison is conservative, the 2021 decreases in cancer screening are expected to be much greater and are likely to increase cancer disparities substantially.