Breast Cancer Screening During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States: Results From Real-World Health Records Data

• DOI: 10.1370/afm.3098
• Publication Date: 2024-05-28T22:25:15Z
• Authors: Andrew Chung; Qiushi Chen; William Curry; Todd Felix; Wen-Jan Tuan
• Keywords: Pandemic; 2019-20 coronavirus outbreak

<h3>PURPOSE</h3> The COVID-19 pandemic abruptly interrupted breast cancer screening, an essential preventive service in primary care. We aimed to evaluate the pandemic's impact on overall and follow-up screening using real-world health records data. <h3>METHODS</h3> retrospectively analyzed a cohort of women eligible for through study period from January 1, 2017 February 28, 2022 TriNetX Research Network examined temporal trend monthly volume throughout compared rate adherence within 24 months after previous when was due pre-COVID vs COVID period. To account multiple screenings longitudinal data, we applied logistic regression model generalized estimating equations with adjustment individual-level covariates. <h3>RESULTS</h3> Among 1,186,669 screening-eligible women, temporarily decreased by 80.6% April 2020 then rebounded close levels June 2020. Yet, 78.9% (95% CI, 78.8%-79.0%) 77.7% 77.6%-77.8%) Multivariate analysis also showed lower during (odds ratio = 0.86; 0.86-0.87) greater among aged 65 years older non-Hispanic "other" race (Asian, American Indian or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian Other Pacific Islander). <h3>CONCLUSIONS</h3> had transient negative effect prolonged screening. It exacerbated gaps especially certain vulnerable groups, requiring innovative strategies address potential disparities