Impact of the Pandemic on Skin Cancer Treatments

A groundbreaking study highlights the alarming effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on surgical procedures for basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Researchers found that BCC surgeries plummeted by a shocking 32.5%, sparking concerns over patient care during this global crisis.

Study Insights from Vienna's Klinik Hietzing

Conducted by a team at Klinik Hietzing in Vienna, Austria, the research tracked the surgical frequency and complexity of 727 patients treated before (2017-2019) and during the pandemic (2020-2022). The pre-COVID cohort included 434 patients, while the during-COVID group had 293. The data revealed troubling trends: surgeries were performed predominantly on older patients with increased health complications.

Declining Numbers and Rising Comorbidities

The study recorded a notable decline in surgeries, especially from 2019 to 2020 as lockdown protocols took effect. By 2022, the number of surgeries had not rebounded to pre-pandemic figures. Alarmingly, the average age of surgical patients climbed from 73.9 years to 75.6 years, accompanied by an increase in reported comorbidities from 2.6 to 2.9.

Surgery Complexity Remains Steady Despite Challenges

While complexities of BCC surgeries remained consistent at a moderate level, slight variations in tumor characteristics were noted. The average tumor area decreased from 530.4 mm² to 422.2 mm², and surgery durations edged upward from 26.2 minutes to 29.3 minutes. Yet, the primary focus continues to be on executing procedures safely amidst the ongoing healthcare challenges.

Broader Implications for Skin Cancer Screening

The study underscores a worrying trend as BCC continues to be the most common malignant tumor among White individuals, with incidence rates steadily climbing. Despite this, 2020 saw a drop in skin cancer screenings and diagnoses worldwide, a reality echoed in previous studies from the US and Australia.

Urgent Need for Vigilance in Patient Care

As experts reflect on the data, they stress the importance of ongoing vigilance to curb increased morbidity rates among cancer patients. With the pandemic exposing the fragilities of healthcare systems, it is clear that proactive measures are needed to support those at risk of skin cancers.

Conclusion: A Call to Action for Healthcare Providers

The findings from this study serve as a clarion call for healthcare providers to adapt and enhance treatment protocols ensuring that patients receive essential care without delay, particularly in the face of ongoing or future public health challenges.