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Researchers led by Oguzhan Alagoz, PhD, of the University of Wisconsin-Madison examined data from simulation models to determine the effect of COVID-19 on breast imaging. Models predict a cumulative 0.52% increase in breast cancer deaths expected by 2030.
“I was indeed surprised by the results,” said Alagoz AuntMinnie.com.
The pandemic initially disrupted breast cancer imaging as elective exams were postponed and many healthy people avoided health facilities. Reports indicate that screening and diagnostic mammography rates fell sharply in the first few months after the pandemic hit the United States in 2020, according to the study’s authors. Likewise, there was also a delay in cancer diagnoses.
“We know that early diagnosis and screening save lives; therefore, a huge drop in screening rates was of great concern as it meant that many women would later be diagnosed with advanced stages of breast cancer,” Alagoz said. AuntMinnie.com.
To analyze the potential effects, the team used three breast cancer simulation models developed independently from the Cancer Intervention and Surveillance Modeling Network (CISNET) of the National Cancer Institute in the United States. The researchers wanted to predict the effect on breast cancer mortality of interruptions resulting from the first six months of the pandemic.
Alagoz and colleagues took into account reductions in the use of mammography screening, delays in symptomatic cancer diagnosis, and reduced use of chemotherapy for women with early-stage disease during the six first few months of the pandemic, and they measured how long it took to get back to the pre-pandemic period. patterns. Based on the available data, they estimated that 50% of women who needed a mammogram missed their appointment.
The models project about 2,500 additional cumulative breast cancer deaths in the United States through 2030 due to delays in screening and treatment.
| Effect of COVID-19 Delayed Breast Imaging on Cancer Deaths | |
| Cause | Estimation of excess deaths from breast cancer |
| Late diagnosis of symptomatic cases | 1314 |
| Reduced screening | 950 |
| Reduced use of chemotherapy | 151 |
| Total | 2487 |
The researchers also compared breast cancer deaths between women who skipped screening and waited for their next scheduled mammogram and those who delayed screening for six months and had a makeup exam. They found that the number of breast cancer deaths was 4.5 times higher when women completely skipped their mammograms, compared to delaying them and catching them later.
“This is a vivid example of how crucial it is to have the makeup review as early as possible,” said Alagoz.
Alagoz said the team also found that many health systems and mammography practices had done a good job catching up with screening and diagnostic services towards the end of summer 2020. This limited the negative effects of the pandemic on the fight against breast cancer.
“I was very worried about a much larger impact of the pandemic on breast cancer deaths,” he said. AuntMinnie.com. “It’s still not small; around 2,500 more breast cancer deaths over the next 10 years are still of concern.”
Dr Stamatia Destounis, head of the Breast Imaging Commission at the American College of Radiology (ACR), said she agrees that the rapid actions of healthcare facilities have had a positive impact on breast cancer mortality. breast.
The ACR has supported local efforts with the Return to Mammography Care campaign, providing advice on how to safely resume screening, reconnect with women to schedule mammograms, and help women prepare.
“The sites have adapted and overcome largely unprecedented circumstances to resume care safely and effectively,” she said. “I am proud that the imaging community has come together to save lives.”
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