Their methodology included Poisson count models and 1-year relative survival analysis using Kaplan-Meier estimates. By the end of 2020, the study found over 5,000 fewer cancer diagnoses than expected, with significant drops in cervical, prostate, head and neck, colorectal, bladder, and breast cancer diagnoses during the second half of the year and minimal recovery. Advanced stages of cervical, prostate, bladder, ovarian and fallopian tube cancers were more prevalent, with fewer early stage cases detected. Survival rates for lungs and colorectal cancers after one year were lower than anticipated, likely due to difficulties in obtaining diagnoses as doctors focused on symptomatic patients and some individuals hesitated to seek medical attention. The study highlights the need to monitor diagnostic access and prepare for potential future increases in cancer incidence and stage progression due to pandemic-related delays.

The full article is available via https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ijc.35001