The prolonged COVID-19 world wide
pandemic led to an increase in medical problems due to other etiologies. Medical
providers are facing growing number of patients with previously undiagnosed
late stage cancers, and recurrence of a previously diagnosed malignancies. This led to an increase in the number of radical
surgeries including laryngectomies and increase in the death rate among patients with many types of cancer.
This is likely due to several factors that include the reluctance of individuals to seek medical care because of fear of contracting COVID-19 at medical facilities; the closure or reduction of clinical services, the suspension of cancer screening, the deferral of routine diagnostic work, the requirement to obtain COVID-19 testing prior to some medical procedures, and the utilization of telemedine without physical examination instead of an actual office visit.
It is therefore important that
individuals do not defer their medical, dental, and mental care during the
COVID-19 pandemic. It is especially important that those who were previously
diagnosed with an ailment including cancer continue their treatment and follow
up. Those who experience new or unusual signs and symptoms that may indicate an
aggravation of their condition or a new ailment should seek medical care
without delay. Postponing care or ignoring symptoms may lead to complications
and deterioration making future care more difficult and may lead to increase
morbity and mortality.
