Disturbance of Gastrointestinal Cancers Diagnoses by the COVID-19 Pandemic in a Depopulated Area of Japan: A Population-Based Study in Akita Prefecture

• DOI: 10.1620/tjem.2022.j020
• Publication Date: 2022-04-06T22:09:14Z
• Authors: Katsunori Iijima; Mario Jin; Masahito Miura; Kenta Watanabe; Noboru Watanabe; Yosuke Shimodaira; Shigeto Koizumi; Fumio Tobori; Satoru Motoyama
• Keywords: Pandemic; Gastrointestinal cancer

Disruption of cancer screening programs and diagnoses gastrointestinal cancers by the COVID-19 pandemic has been reported; however, little attention paid to situation in depopulated areas with low infection rates. Akita Prefecture is one most Japan lowest rate per capita; at same time, prefecture top-ranked for mortality due years. In this population-based study Prefecture, we investigated occurrence number procedures over five-year period 2016-2020, employing a database from collaborative hospital-based registration system cancers. The cancers, especially esophago-gastric declined 11.0% 2020, when affected overall healthcare system, compared average 2016-2019. Nonetheless, advanced-stage (stage IV) increased 7.2% 2020. decrease diagnosis 2020 coincided 30% decline total regular programs. Under ongoing pandemic, was uniformly suspended throughout Japan. Accordingly, substantially disrupted leading delays cancer, even (Akita Prefecture) prevalence infection. Suspension during an infectious disease should be thoroughly considered each region based on incidence status that area.