Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on incidence, time of diagnosis and delivery of healthcare among paediatric oncology patients in Germany in 2020: Evidence from the German Childhood Cancer Registry and a qualitative survey.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The indirect impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer care and timely diagnosis is of increasing concern. We investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on incidence, time of diagnosis and delivery of healthcare among paediatric oncology patients in Germany in 2020.

Methods

We analysed incident paediatric cancer cases diagnosed in 0- to 17-year olds in Germany in 2020 using data of the German Childhood Cancer Registry. Absolute numbers and age-standardised incidence rates (ASR) in 2020 were compared to the previous five years (2015-2019). Moreover, we conducted a survey with open-ended questions, gathering perceptions of the diagnostic process and healthcare delivery for paediatric oncology patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Findings

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SUBMITTER: Erdmann F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8423844 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature