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Surge in Advanced Breast Cancer Diagnoses Linked to COVID-19 Pandemic
A recent Australian study published in the ANZ Journal of Surgery has identified a significant increase in advanced breast cancer cases, attributed to disruptions in healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The suspension of routine screening services led to delayed diagnoses, resulting in a 14.7% rise in symptomatic breast cancer and a 2.5% increase in advanced cases between 2019 and 2022. Notably, there was a significant rise in aggressive tumors known to spread quickly. Healthcare professionals are emphasizing the importance of timely screenings, especially for women aged 50 to 74, to mitigate further risks.