Preparing for the third wave

Each year, 18 million people are diagnosed with cancer. Globally, cancer is the second-leading cause of death, responsible for an estimated 9.6 million deaths in 2018.

We know that cancer survival outcomes are significantly improved by early cancer diagnosis through general practitioner networks and cancer screening services. But with the impact of COVID-19 felt throughout the world, the question is clear: how can we now work to meet the increased need of cancer patients as diagnoses skyrocket?

Going back to early 2020 when the world became aware of COVID-19, health authorities reacted with deep concern about community transmission and the potential of over-burdened hospital systems. We saw a range of health services suspended to prepare for the worst in order to free up hospital beds, resources and personal protective equipment (PPE). Elective surgeries were put on hold, health screening services temporarily shut down, borders closed affecting access to treatments and access to medications, and many medical practitioners moved to a telehealth model of care where appropriate.

Since the early stages, the pandemic has completely disrupted our way of living. We’ve experienced social distancing, lockdowns and shortages across the board – from food at our local grocery stores to wait-lists for essential PPE. This disruption to our everyday lives has also seen flow on effects to our general health. GPs have reported significantly reduced activity, indicating people had become reluctant, or fearful to attend their GP, potentially resulting in unaddressed health concerns and potentially unnoticed cancer symptoms. With cancer referrals plummeting, I know I am not alone in my concern that seriously ill people may have gone undiagnosed. 

In Australia, for example, Cancer Australia reported substantial reductions in procedures relating to cancer investigations and treatment by service providers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. There were around 145,000 fewer screening mammograms performed through BreastScreen Australia in January to June 2020 compared with January to June 2018.

Many oncologists across the globe are now concerned about the reduction in cancer diagnosis due to COVID-19 lockdowns; some describing a “tsunami of cancer” is to come. We cannot underestimate the impact of delays in diagnosis and treatment for people with cancer, who may face a more advanced stage of the disease and poorer outcomes in the future.

Screening is one of the most effective ways to detect early signs of cancer and with the high reduction in screening rates throughout the start of the pandemic, there is no doubt a portion of our communities are living with undetected and potentially more advanced cancers. Healthcare needs to be ready to meet this increased demand.

When COVID-19 hit, Icon rolled up our sleeves to ensure patients were not left isolated. It forced us to innovate quicker, fast-track and enhance processes, procedures and digital capabilities to ensure streamlined and quality care could continue to be delivered to patients in a safe environment despite the obstacles.

Our innovations in research and technology and extensive collaborative network of centres across Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Mainland China and Hong Kong mean that once a patient is diagnosed, they can access the latest in cancer care where and when they need it most. Our clinical teams are constantly implementing better processes and introducing new technology and treatment regimens to elevate the standard of care we provide. We are dissolving the barriers of geographical borders through remote training and treatment solutions, and we are utilising our international expertise to move the dial forward ensuring we are prepared to care for the many more people who will unfortunately live with cancer.

Early in the pandemic two of our founding doctors independently called me and recited their mantra:

‘That our point of difference is that when others close their doors or ration their care we keep going until the work’s done.’

Quite simply, we will be ready to face every challenge, ready to help every patient that walks through our doors, and ready to provide the best possible cancer care when and where they need it; because everyone deserves access to the best possible care and together we are committed to making that a reality.