One in 12 cancers went undiagnosed during the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021, research from the National Cancer Registry of Ireland has found. 

During lockdown, some cancer screening services closed as medics were redeployed to help patients with COVID-19. 

Even when the screenings re-opened, some people were too scared to leave the house and visit their doctor. 

Data from 2020 estimates that 10% of cancer diagnoses were missed and the preliminary figures for 2021 found the number of cancer patients diagnosed was 6% lower than it should have been. 

 Mammography. 

The research also concludes that liver, pancreatic and kidney cancers were “most significantly impacted by the disruptions” of the pandemic years. 

“The impact of COVID-19 on the health of the Irish population is anticipated to have a long tail as its effects on the diagnosis and management of non-communicable diseases become apparent,” National Cancer Registry Director Professor Deirdre Murray said. 

“While cancer survival rates continue to improve, the incidence of most cancers increases with age. 

“People aged 65 years and older formed the largest cohort of COVID-19 deaths in Ireland, so it is possible that some may have died before being diagnosed and treated for cancer.”

The Irish Cancer Society said it was “dismayed” by the report’s findings. 

“Until we see data that shows the number of cancers diagnosed have returned to expected levels, the Irish Cancer Society will continue to call for urgent and accelerated measures from Government that get people diagnosed in the first instance and secondly, that ensure swift access to cancer treatment,” Director of Advocacy & External Affairs Rachel Morrogh said. 

'Frightening'

Last year, then-Taoiseach Micheál Martin told the Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party the nation faces a “frightening wave of delayed cancer diagnoses” due to the pandemic. 

He told TDs many cancers would not be treatable and other European countries were in a comparable position.

Main image: Cervical cancer smear.