Short-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on performing screening, diagnosis and treatment procedures for cancer care in Brazil: descriptive study, 2019-2020

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the short-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in screening, diagnostic investigation and cancer treatment in Brazil. Methods: Descriptive study using data from the SUS Outpatient and Hospital Information Systems, and Cancer Information System. Monthly percentage variation of cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment procedures was calculated, as well as the time for performing exams related to cancers of the cervix and breast for 2019 and 2020. Results: In 2020 there was a 3,767,686 (-44.6%) reduction in cytopathological tests, 1,624,056 (-42.6%) in screening mammograms, 257,697 (-35.3%) in biopsies, 25,172 (-15.7%) in oncologic surgeries, and 552 (-0.7%) radiotherapy procedures compared to 2019. Time intervals for performing screening exams for cervix and breast cancers were little affected. Conclusion: Cancer control actions were impacted by the pandemic, making it necessary to devise strategies to mitigate the effects of possible delays in diagnosis and treatment.