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Some cancer surgery and diagnostic procedures were
impacted in May and June according to the latest COVID-19
monitoring report by Te Aho o Te Kahu, the Cancer Control
Agency.
“Overall, the cancer system continues to
operate well under pressure, which is thanks to the hard
work of the cancer workforce,” acting chief executive of
Te Aho o Te Kahu, Nicola Hill said.
“We have
identified some areas within the cancer system where there
has been disruption. Te Aho o Te Kahu is already working
with the wider health system to ensure these are short-term
issues.”
“Given the increased pressure on the
health system due to winter illness and COVID-19, this was
not unexpected.”
While there has been an increase in
cancer registrations for both Māori and non-Māori, some
cancer surgery numbers were lower than pre-pandemic
levels.
To date, there were 8% fewer colorectal cancer
surgeries and 5% fewer breast cancer surgeries performed in
2022 compared with 2018/19.
Lung cancer surgery
volumes for Māori also decreased 25% compared to 2018/19
(16 fewer surgeries).
This decrease was of concern
given the inequities already present for Māori in lung
cancer incidence and mortality, Hill said.
“We will
be doing further work to understand these decreases and
support the sector to address this decrease.”
“The
impacts identified are likely due to a range of factors
including staff and patient sickness as a result of COVID-19
and winter illness.”
Radiation oncology and medical
oncology first specialist assessments (FSAs) had increased
in the reporting period compared to 2018/19.
The wider
cancer workforce had been working hard during over the last
few months to ensure people receive high quality
care.
“I want to thank acknowledge the effort they
have put in during winter to ensure those living with cancer
and their whanau are looked after.”
“Te Aho o Te
Kahu remains committed to ensure those living with cancer
continue to have world-class treatment and
care.”
The next monitoring report by Te Aho o Te
Kahu will be released in
November.
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