Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on reported cancer diagnoses in Bavaria, Germany

• DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-04707-0
• Publication Date: 2023-03-24T20:03:01Z
• Authors: Sven Voigtländer; Amir Hakimhashemi; Nina Grundmann; Martin Radespiel-...; Elisabeth C. Inwald; Olaf Ortmann; Michael Gerken; Stefanie J. Klug; Monika Klinkhamme...; Martin Meyer; Jacqueline Müller...
• Keywords: Pandemic

Abstract Purpose The aim of our study was to explore the impact COVID-19 pandemic on reported cancer cases in Bavaria, Germany, by comparing pre-pandemic (March 2019 February 2020) and period 2020 2021). Methods Data incident were retrieved from Bavarian Cancer Registry (until 22nd April 2022). We included patients with malignant situ neoplasms pathology departments consistent reporting. calculated number during 95% confidence intervals (CI) Bonferroni correction (α = 0.0018) based a Poisson approach. stratified for malignancy (malignant, situ), tumor site, month year. Results available 30 out 58 (51.7%) Bavaria. Incident dropped 42,857 39,980 (− 6.7%; CI − 8.7%, 4.7%). Reductions higher colon, rectum, skin/melanoma as well liver (> 10.0% reduction) less breast (4.9% reduction). No case reductions observed pancreas, esophagus, ovary, cervix. Percent changes largest 20.9%; 24.7%, 16.8%) January 2021 25.2%; 28.8%, 21.5%) compared previous Declines tended be larger neoplasms. Conclusion Detection diagnosis substantially reduced pandemic. Potential effects, e.g. stage shift tumors or an increase mortality, need monitored.