There was some disruption to cancer diagnosis and surgery
during the peak of winter illness and COVID-19 cases earlier
this year, according to the latest monitoring report by Te
Aho o Te Kahu, the Cancer Control Agency.
The report
analyses data from July, August, and September and shows the
cancer system continued to operate under increased pressure,
with some services affected.
“We can see downturns
in delivery of some services – such as first appointments
for cancer specialists – particularly in July,” acting
chief executive for Te Aho o Te Kahu Nicola Hill
said.
“These downturns are likely the result of the
second Omicron wave and the added impact of other winter
illnesses, such as influenza.”
Despite the initial
impact, in September specialist appointments for
haematology, radiation oncology and medical oncology all
increased to pre-pandemic levels.
The report also
showed cancer registrations until August 2022 increased 8%
overall compared with the average of 2018/19
(pre-COVID-19).
For 2022 to date there were 3% fewer
cancer surgeries performed compared to the average of
2018/19, due to lower volumes of colorectal cancer and
breast cancer surgeries.
For Māori, there has been a
5% increase in combined cancer surgeries for the year to
date relative to 2018/19.
The proportion of Māori
lung cancer surgery was down by 16% for the year to date
relative to 2018/19 (15 fewer surgeries). However, this
proportion has improved compared to the 25% seen in the
previous report using data up to June 2022.
“I know it
has been a very unsettling time for those living with cancer
and their whānau. The cancer workforce has been working
incredibly hard to ensure all people receive the care they
need,” Hill said.
“The fact this reporting shows
many comparable results to the pre-pandemic period
demonstrates that cancer workforce is working diligently to
ensure the continuation of cancer care in
Aotearoa.
“I want to thank them for their dedication
and determination.”
Te Aho o Te Kahu is currently
working on the Cancer Services Planning programme to help
strengthen the cancer system going forward.
This
includes addressing longstanding workforce issues within the
cancer workforce. This is being completed alongside Te Whatu
Ora and Te Aka Whai Ora.
“We are acutely aware the
cancer workforce faces significant challenges, and we are
working with our partners to ensure these issues can be
remedied.
“We owe our cancer workforce a debt of
gratitude for their incredible hard work during the pandemic
to ensure people are well looked after.”
Te Aho o Te
Kahu will continue to monitor the cancer system, with the
next report expected in the first quarter of next
year.
https://img.scoop.co.nz/media/pdfs/2212/COVID_19_and_cancer_report_Q3_03122022_final.pdf
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