Cross-sectional assessment of changes in cancer diagnoses and stage distribution during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in the USA

The emergence of COVID-19 has disrupted health care. A cross-sectional study assessed changes in cancer diagnoses and stage distribution during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in the USA. The monthly number of new cancer diagnoses decreased substantially after the start of the pandemic in March, 2020, although monthly counts returned to near pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2020. The decrease in diagnoses was largest for stage I disease. This pattern was observed in most cancer types and sociodemographic groups, although it was most prominent among medically underserved individuals. The authors conclude that monitoring the long-term effects of the pandemic on morbidity, survival, and mortality is warranted.