Effects of Delayed Cancer Screening due to the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review

Abstract

The pandemic caused a significant impact on healthcare and a delay in cancer screenings. The aim of this study was to evaluate the delay, understand the consequences, see if specific populations were more affected, and what has been done to diminish the delays. After an extensive literature review, research showed a marked decrease in cancer screening for all demographics and cancer types. The long-term repercussions are likely to be an increase in later-stage disease and cancer-related deaths. Many studies offered opinions on strategies that can be implemented at patient and provider levels. It is important to understand the impacts of delayed cancer screenings in the age of the pandemic to recognize the serious effects and take action to improve the rates of screening.