The impact of COVID-19 on people with cancer is of huge concern particularly as Victoria faces tougher stage four lockdown restrictions. We are concerned that we will see a further reduction in GP visits and participation in cancer screening with delays in diagnosis causing a surge of new and more serious cases over the next year.
A paper just published in the Lancet discusses the impact of COVID-19 in England. Reporting on the four major cancers; breast, colorectal, oesophageal and lung, the paper shows a substantial increase is expected in the number of avoidable deaths as a result of diagnostic delays. A further paper highlights the negative impacts of delays in cancer referrals and admissions for treatment.
Circumstances are likely to be similar in Victoria, where we are seeing a 30 per cent reduction of reporting of cancer since lockdown began. If this trend continues in the next 6 months, data is showing the potential for over 3,000 lives lost from what may have been preventable cancers. While to-date we have not had anywhere near the caseloads of COVID-19 as experienced in the UK, we are noticing very similar impacts on healthcare in Victoria due to the lockdown and community reaction to COVID-19.
The Victorian COVID-19 Cancer Network (VCCN) is continuing to provide a response to challenges during the pandemic. Last week, the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services’ surgical and diagnostic procedures to reduce the impact of cancer, were endorsed by the Network Taskforce. Additional recommendations have also been made to leaders of Victorian Health Services to further support optimal and consistent care for people with cancer. Tomorrow I’ll be joined by VCCN Taskforce Chairs in a webinar to discuss challenges, potential solutions and strategies for future direction.
To raise awareness and encourage participation in screening and routine visits, Cancer Council Victoria has prioritised plans for a new public awareness campaign Don’t Delay soon to be shared via social and mainstream media. Cancer Australia is also running a related campaign, Cancer Won’t Wait.
A highlight for me this week was having the opportunity to chat with some of the Master of Cancer Sciences students who are beginning their research capstone projects and have the completion of their studies in clear sight.
The multidisciplinary breadth of the Master of Cancer Sciences cohort, exemplified by the small group I spoke with, who have careers in pharmacy, medical oncology, dental oncology and cancer care coordination, is such good news for our sector.
The range of their research questions demonstrates the potential for improved patient outcomes in so many ways; in psychosocial and supportive care, understanding the efficacy of national cancer screening, mitigating some of the devastating effects of oral cancers, and improvements in survival and quality of life following lung cancer treatment. I am thrilled by the topicality of the projects, which I can see leading to publication in due course.
A huge thanks to Sophie Beaumont, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Nicole Webb, Border Medical Oncology Research Unit, Shehara Mendis, Cabrini and Walter & Eliza Hall Institute and Yee Mellor, Australian Pharmacist for taking time out from your busy schedules to talk about your experience with the Masters and for your commitment to overcoming some very relevant challenges for people experiencing cancer. Well done too, to the Masters programming staff, all Masters students, study coordinators, contributors and tutors for your efforts in transforming cancer education.
Finally, I would like to acknowledge that despite all the challenges of recent weeks, the professionalism and commitment of our workforce continues to be a source of inspiration. Thank you to all who are engaging in VCCC strategic program planning, VCCN collaborations and communications, and all who might be feeling a bit isolated by your PPE; thank you, you are so very much appreciated.
Professor Grant McArthur
Executive Director
Image: Master of Cancer Sciences students discuss research capstone projects
