Rate of Breast and Prostate Cancer Diagnoses Lag

A Quest Diagnostics Health Trends study analyzed the rates of breast and prostate cancer diagnosis to find that the rates still lag behind pre-pandemic diagnoses. The American Society of Clinical Oncology published the study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

According to the publication, cancer diagnosis rates were down by 30% upon the pandemic’s start. In the press statement, Quest states, “while cancer diagnoses increased over the subsequent two years, the gains have not been enough to offset diagnoses delayed or missed earlier in the pandemic.”

It is important to note that these findings do not mean that the cancer rate has reduced. Instead, it means that more people are living with undiagnosed cancer. This statistic should be worrisome to providers as an early cancer diagnosis can improve the patient's prognosis.

"The decline in the cancer death rate over the past three decades is a major healthcare achievement. And yet, our more recent analysis shows the pandemic, by delaying cancer diagnoses, is putting these gains at risk," said co-author Harvey W. Kaufman, MD, Senior Medical Director and Head of the Health Trends Research Program for Quest Diagnostics, in the press statement.

The study also determined that, by March 2021, the diagnosis rates were still 15% lower than pre-pandemic rates. By March 2022, the discrepancy had reduced, and rates were only 11% lower than pre-pandemic levels.

The diagnosis rate of prostate cancer was 17% lower than pre-pandemic levels, and breast cancer rates were 11% lower.

"While restrictions to travel and healthcare services were lifted by summer 2020, our analysis reveals that the pandemic's adverse influence on utilization of preventative care and cancer screenings continues this year," said co-author Yuri Fesko, MD, Vice President, Medical Affairs, Quest Diagnostics, in the announcement. "As an oncologist, I am particularly disturbed by the finding that cancer diagnoses for breast and prostate cancer are well below pre-pandemic levels. We hope this study encourages people to resume regular preventive care and to move without delay to visit their physician if they suspect a health problem. Doing so may literally save your life."

The current trajectory of reduced diagnosis rates may lead to worsened healthcare outcomes and increased spending. Based on these statistics, doctors and healthcare facilities may consider outreach and education encouraging regular screenings for common cancers such as breast and prostate cancer.