The impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients: lessons for the future.

The corona crisis has influenced the diagnostic process for cancer. Patients avoided their GP, especially during the first wave, even in the case of so-called 'alarm symptoms' for cancer. In addition, corona caused delays in the recognition and referral of colon and lung cancer patients to the GP. Whether this had an influence on the course of the disease is still unknown. Particularly in the first wave, the incidence (how many new cases of disease there are in a certain period) of cancer patients decreased, but this has largely been overtaken later. Furthermore, changes have taken place in the diagnostics and treatments carried out in the hospital process, but the impact of these is limited. In addition, the lead time to start of treatment for most patients was shorter during the corona crisis than in previous years. The most important lessons for the future are that guidelines can be implemented quickly and there are options for physical and online consultations in the future, where coordination with the patient is important. Goal 'Lessons for the future' are formulated to ensure an optimal balance between adjustments in care required by COVID-19 and the quality/availability of care for people with cancer. Background The detection and care of patients with cancer may have been different and less successful during the COVID-19 outbreak. Research design To prevent the next outbreak or similar major health crises, the following questions are answered: How big was the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on cancer detection? Why were cancer diagnoses delayed and how can we prevent that? How has healthcare been adapted and what effect does this have on the quality of care? How can this be better next time? First results The results of this project can support healthcare content, organizational and financing decisions in healthcare in the short and long term. The results are important for society and the future patient, because avoidance of care and loss of health must be prevented. The first results are in a fact sheet In summary. On the website of the Integrated Cancer Center Netherlands there are other results.