Australian Scientists Warn of Rising Advanced Breast Cancer Cases in the Current COVID-19 Era

Medical News: New research led by Australian scientists has uncovered a troubling rise in advanced breast cancer cases during the COVID-19 pandemic, raising concerns about the long-term impact of the health crisis on cancer diagnosis and treatment. Experts warn that this alarming trend, driven by the disruption of breast cancer screening programs, could have dire consequences for women's health in the years to come.


Australian Scientists Warn of Rising Advanced Breast Cancer Cases in the Current COVID-19 Era

Disruptions in Healthcare: A Critical Factor
The COVID-19 pandemic has left a lasting impact on healthcare systems worldwide. Hospitals were overwhelmed, resources stretched thin, and regular medical services, including cancer screenings, were postponed or severely limited. As the virus took center stage, crucial services like breast cancer screening were sidelined, leading to delays in diagnosis for many patients. This Medical News report explores the findings of a study led by researchers from the Australian National University in Canberra and Sydney Adventist Hospital, which highlights the connection between the pandemic and a rise in advanced breast cancer cases.
 
The study analyzed data from hospital records between July 2019 and June 2022, covering the pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemic periods. The researchers observed a significant increase in both symptomatic breast cancer and advanced-stage breast cancer diagnoses during and after the pandemic.
 
Specifically, the study noted a 14.7% rise in symptomatic breast cancer and a 2.5% increase in advanced-stage breast cancer (stage 3 and 4). The delay in diagnosis caused by the suspension of screening services is a key factor behind these numbers.
 
The Alarming Rise of Aggressive Tumors
Among the most concerning findings of the study is the significant increase in aggressive breast cancer tumors. These tumors, characterized by markers such as high Ki-67 levels, Grade 3 classification, and estrogen receptor (ER) negativity, are known for their rapid growth and high likelihood of spreading to other parts of the body. The study documented a 5.4% increase in Ki-67-positive tumors, a 14.8% increase in Grade 3 tumors, and a staggering 33.4% rise in ER-negative tumors during the post-pandemic period.
 
Dr. Michael Hughes, a surgical oncologist at Sydney Adventist Hospital and a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, emphasized the seriousness of these findings. "The extremely high increases in node-positivity in these aggressive tumor types are deeply concerning," he said. "Cancers with these markers tend to have poor prognoses because they spread quickly. The delays in diagnosis caused by suspended breast cancer screening and other healthcare services during the pandemic have likely contributed to these grim statistics."
 
Breast Cancer Screening Suspended Twice During the Pandemic
Australia's BreastScreen program, which provides free br east cancer screening for women aged 50 to 74, was suspended twice during the pandemic - once in March 2020 and again in August 2021. Each suspension lasted for three months, during which time thousands of women missed their regular screenings. This gap in services meant that many cancers that could have been detected at an earlier, more treatable stage went undiagnosed until they had progressed to more advanced stages.
 
Although screening services have since resumed, the effects of the suspensions are still being felt. The study found that the percentage of women presenting with stage 3 and 4 breast cancer increased from 4.6% before the pandemic to 8.5% during the pandemic, and remained elevated at 7.1% after the pandemic. This suggests that the delay in diagnosis during the pandemic has led to more women being diagnosed with advanced breast cancer, which is harder to treat and has lower survival rates.
 
The Impact of COVID-19 on Breast Cancer Treatment
The study also examined changes in breast cancer treatment during the pandemic. One of the most significant findings was an increase in the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (chemotherapy given before surgery) and hypofractionated radiotherapy (a shorter, more intense form of radiation treatment). These treatments became more common as hospitals grappled with the need to balance cancer care with the ongoing demands of managing COVID-19 patients.
 
The use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy increased by 4.3% during the pandemic and by 11.3% in the post-pandemic period. Similarly, the use of hypofractionated radiotherapy rose by 9.4% in the post-pandemic period. These shifts in treatment protocols reflect the need for healthcare providers to adapt to the challenges posed by the pandemic, including the limited availability of operating rooms and hospital beds.
 
While these treatment changes helped manage the strain on healthcare systems, they also highlight the need for more research into the long-term outcomes of patients who received these treatments. The study’s authors noted that while neoadjuvant chemotherapy and hypofractionated radiotherapy are effective treatment options, their increased use may have been driven more by necessity than by choice, and the impact on patient outcomes is still unclear.
 
A Call to Action: Screening and Early Detection Are Crucial
As the world emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare providers are urging women to prioritize their health and make sure they are up to date with their breast cancer screenings. Dr. Hughes emphasized the importance of early detection in improving survival rates. "My biggest piece of advice to women, especially those in the 50 to 74 age group, is to get their breast screens done as soon as possible if they are overdue," he said. "The earlier we catch breast cancer, the better the chances of successful treatment."
 
Experts also stress the need for healthcare systems to be better prepared for future public health crises. The suspension of breast cancer screening during the pandemic has shown how vulnerable cancer detection services can be to disruptions, and how these disruptions can lead to devastating outcomes for patients.
 
Study Findings and Conclusion
The study provides critical insights into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on breast cancer diagnosis and treatment in Australia. The data shows a clear increase in the incidence of advanced breast cancer, particularly aggressive forms of the disease, due to delays in screening and diagnosis. This underscores the importance of maintaining access to essential healthcare services even during times of crisis.
 
The findings also highlight the need for continued vigilance and adaptation in cancer care. As healthcare systems continue to recover from the pandemic, it is essential that screening programs are prioritized and that women are encouraged to seek timely medical care. Early detection remains one of the most effective tools in the fight against breast cancer, and ensuring that women have access to regular screenings is crucial in preventing the rise of advanced cancer cases.
 
In conclusion, while the COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges to healthcare systems around the world, its impact on breast cancer diagnosis and treatment cannot be ignored. The study’s findings serve as a stark reminder of the importance of early detection and the need for robust healthcare infrastructure that can withstand future crises. Women are encouraged to be proactive about their health, and healthcare providers must continue to adapt and innovate in the face of new challenges.
 
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Royal Australian College of Surgeons’ ANZ Journal of Surgery.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/ans.19028
 
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