Cancer organizations emphasize need for screening, timely treatment amid pandemic
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A coalition of 76 cancer organizations today released an open letter urging Americans to make cancer care a priority amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The letter — endorsed by National Comprehensive Cancer Network, American Cancer Society, and dozens of other institutions and societies — emphasized that the benefits of screening and timely treatment far outweigh the risks and are essential to ensure optimal outcomes.
“When the pandemic first hit the United States, a short delay in care was an appropriate choice for many cancer types,” Robert W. Carlson, MD, CEO of National Comprehensive Cancer Network, said in a press release. “However, the balance of risk has shifted significantly. ... Meanwhile, far too many cancers are being left to grow unchecked. Postponing cancer care will add tragedy on top of tragedy.”
Several studies have highlighted considerable reductions in screening for lung, breast, prostate, cervical and colorectal cancers amid the pandemic. NCI estimates project 10,000 excess deaths due to colorectal cancer and breast cancer in the United States in the next decade due to pandemic-related screening and treatment delays.
COVID-19 vaccine distribution, improved understanding of how to prevent and treat the novel coronavirus, and precautions cancer centers have implemented to protect staff and patients should give the public confidence to resume screening and — if necessary — treatment, coalition representatives emphasized.
“It is of the utmost importance that critical cancer screenings resume as soon as safely possible,” William G. Cance, MD, chief medical and scientific officer with American Cancer Society, said in the release. “Over the past decade, we have seen overall cancer mortality rates drop dramatically. This decline is in large part due to screening’s ability to catch cancers before they spread, when the chances of good outcomes are most likely. We have come too far in our fight against cancer to allow long breaks in vital screening to slow down our progress in saving lives.”
The letter highlights how the number of people worldwide diagnosed with cancer during the pandemic has declined significantly, despite no evidence that the rate of new cancer occurrences is decreasing.
“These distressing trends tell us that many cancers are going undiagnosed and untreated in the wake of COVID-19,” the letter stated.
Coalition members called on health care professionals, community leaders and the public to help ensure people in their communities do not delay care for important medical issues, resume recommended cancer screening and seek evidence-based treatment if they have been diagnosed with cancer.
“Advances in cancer screening and treatment have resulted in a significant decline in the annual death rate from cancer,” the letter stated. “We must not lose our momentum now. Please join us and help people across America reengage in cancer screening and care. Their lives may depend upon it.”
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