Increased risk of serious illnesses including advanced stage cancer due to COVID -19 pandemic

 

The prolonged COVID-19 world wide pandemic led to an increase in medical problems due to other etiologies. Medical providers are facing growing number of patients with previously undiagnosed late stage cancers, and recurrence of a previously diagnosed malignancies.  This led to an increase in the number of radical surgeries including laryngectomies and increase in the death rate among patients with many types of cancer.    

This is likely due to several factors that include the reluctance of individuals to seek medical care because of fear of contracting COVID-19 at medical facilities; the closure or reduction of clinical services, the suspension of cancer screening, the deferral of routine diagnostic work, the requirement to obtain COVID-19 testing prior to some medical procedures, and the utilization of telemedine without physical examination instead of an actual office visit.

It is therefore important that individuals do not defer their medical, dental, and mental care during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is especially important that those who were previously diagnosed with an ailment including cancer continue their treatment and follow up. Those who experience new or unusual signs and symptoms that may indicate an aggravation of their condition or a new ailment should seek medical care without delay. Postponing care or ignoring symptoms may lead to complications and deterioration making future care more difficult and may lead to increase morbity and mortality.