Newcastle oncologist warns of delayed breast cancer screening risks

Newcastle Radiation Oncologist, Associate Professor Peter O'Brien, said research has shown that COVID-19 delays have already had a negative impact on patient outcomes.

Key statistics include that nationally, there were 145,000 fewer mammograms in the six months to June 2020 versus 2018, and during the 2020 lockdown in Victoria, there was a 37 per cent drop in screening and a 33 per cent drop in breast cancer surgeries. Professor O'Brien said there were particular concerns for women living in regional areas following Breast Screen NSW's decision to suspend services, announced on August 20. "Sadly, we are already seeing the negative impact of breast screen closures last year in Victoria, with more women presenting with later stage breast cancer disease," Professor O'Brien said.

"There are substantial differences in the five-year survival rates for women who present with early stage breast cancer compared with stage 3 and stage 4 cancer and it is imperative we ensure women can continue to access potentially life-saving screening programs," he said.

"Continuation of breast cancer screening in a COVID environment in a manner safe for women and staff is a challenge we must address," Profressor O'Brien said. "Global data indicates the impacts of screening delay will continue to be felt by women, their families and healthcare systems for years to come."

Carla Bennett, of Edgeworth, went to get herself checked out at the local breast screening clinic during her lunch hour six weeks ago. Two weeks later she was told she had triple negative breast cancer and that with treatment, it could be successfully treated.

She has already begun her first week of chemotherapy but if she had waited, it could have been much further along, she said.

Breast Cancer Network Australia Director of policy Vicki Durston said as well as an increase in further advanced cancers, there will be a growing backlog to address once services re-open.

"It makes little sense to pause essential breast screen services in areas where there are low cases of COVID-19," she said.

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