COVID-19 related change in breast cancer diagnosis, stage, treatment, and case volume: 2019–2021

Abstract

Purpose: Evaluate the COVID-19 pandemic impact on breast cancer detection method, stage and treatment before, during and after health care restrictions. Methods: In a retrospective tertiary cancer care center cohort, first primary breast cancer (BC) patients, years 2019–2021, were reviewed (n = 1787). Chi-square statistical comparisons of detection method (patient (PtD)/mammography (MamD), Stage (0-IV) and treatment by pre-pandemic time 1: 2019 + Q1 2020; peak-pandemic time 2: Q2-Q4 2020; pandemic time 3: Q1-Q4 2021 (Q = quarter) periods and logistic regression for odds ratios were used. Results: BC case volume decreased 22% in 2020 (N = 533) (p =.001). MamD declined from 64% pre-pandemic to 58% peak-pandemic, and increased to 71% in 2021 (p