Impact of COVID-19 on cancer screening in South Korea

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic significantly declined cancer screening rates worldwide. Its impact on the South Korean population is unclear, depending on socioeconomic status (SES), residence, and history of chronic disease. This study utilized data (2018-2020) from the Korean National Cancer Screening Survey, an annual cross-sectional study employing nationally representative random sampling. Cancer screening rates were defined as the proportion of the eligible population who received respective cancer screening within the last 1 year and investigated four major cancers (stomach, colorectal, breast, and cervical). Screening rates every year were compared with screening rate ratios (SRRs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Between 2019 and 2020, screening rates declined significantly by 23%, 17%, 12%, and 8% for colorectal cancer (SRR 0.77; 95% CI 0.73-0.82), stomach cancer (SRR 0.83; 95% CI 0.79-0.87), breast cancer (SRR 0.88; 95% CI 0.82-0.93), and cervical cancer (SRR 0.92; 95% CI 0.87-0.97), respectively. Regardless of cancer type, screening was significantly lower in metropolitan residents, those with higher SES, and, interestingly, those without a history of chronic diseases. The significant decline in cancer screening during the pandemic requires urgent political intervention to reduce the burden of future cancer incidence and mortality.

Automated summary

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a significant decline in cancer screening rates worldwide. This study focused on the impact of the pandemic on cancer screening rates in South Korea, and found that the rates for colorectal, stomach, breast, and cervical cancer screenings decreased between 2019 and 2020. The study also revealed that screening rates were lower for metropolitan residents, individuals with higher socioeconomic status, and those without a history of chronic diseases.