Did ovarian cancer diagnoses go down during the COVID-19 pandemic years?
Yes, evidence from a Swiss hospital shows that ovarian cancer diagnoses dropped during the early COVID-19 pandemic years. A study at Bern University Hospital found that the number of new ovarian cancer cases fell from 52 in 2019 to 32 in 2020 and 39 in 2021, before rising back to 57 in 2022 6. This pattern likely reflects disruptions in healthcare access, screening, and diagnostic delays during the pandemic, as seen with other cancers 10.
What the research says
A retrospective study at Bern University Hospital in Switzerland tracked ovarian cancer diagnoses from 2019 through 2022. The annual number of new primary ovarian cancer cases was 52 in 2019, dropped to 32 in 2020, stayed low at 39 in 2021, and then recovered to 57 in 2022 6. In contrast, borderline ovarian tumor diagnoses remained stable over the same period, suggesting the drop was specific to invasive cancers 6. The study also noted a shift in surgical approach: more patients received interval debulking surgery (surgery after chemotherapy) during the pandemic years, likely due to treatment delays 6.
This decrease in diagnoses aligns with broader reports of delayed cancer care during the pandemic. A 2021 study noted that lockdowns and suspension of elective services led to delays in diagnosis and treatment for many cancers, including advanced presentations 10. The Swiss study did not find a change in the stage at diagnosis (FIGO stage) during the pandemic, but the lower number of cases suggests that some cancers may have been missed or diagnosed later 6.
Other sources in this set do not directly address pandemic-era diagnosis rates. They cover topics such as traditional Chinese medicine for side effects 1, targeted therapies 2, genetic mutations 3, prevention strategies 4, immunotherapy 5, AI in pathology 7, microbiome 8, and cancer mortality predictions 9. None of these provide additional data on COVID-19's impact on ovarian cancer diagnosis rates.
What to ask your doctor
- Did the COVID-19 pandemic cause delays in ovarian cancer screening or diagnosis in our region?
- If I missed a routine check-up during the pandemic, should I schedule a follow-up now?
- Could a delayed diagnosis affect my treatment options or prognosis?
- Are there any lingering effects of pandemic-related delays on ovarian cancer care at this hospital?
- What steps can I take to ensure I stay on schedule with recommended screenings?
This question is drawn from common patient questions about this topic and answered using cited medical research. We do not provide individualized advice.