Institute Report
Cancer Won't Wait
Building resilience in cancer screening and diagnostics in Europe based on lessons from the pandemic
Mar 08, 2021

About the report

The ongoing impact of COVID-19 on health services across Europe has in most cases led to significant reductions in cancer screening, testing and diagnosis. The resultant delays in diagnosis are impacting cancer treatment and survival and are likely to do so for many years to come. Responses in individual countries and for individual tumour groups have differed, but there are common challenges in all countries. Some solutions go above and beyond the obvious actions that all countries are taking, and there are examples of how the system has reacted so far that provides the basis for further discussion on building lasting resiliency into healthcare systems and preparing for post-pandemic recovery.

Report summary

This report highlights some of the approaches already being taken, as well as suggestions for what should be done going forward. It considers different stakeholders – from local pharmacies to national and international organisations – and their roles, as well as multi-stakeholder collaboration and cooperation. It aims to highlight initiatives adopted in some countries that can be shared more widely. It is also intended to provide a platform for additional activity during 2021 focused on specific types of cancer and expanded local, country-specific initiatives.
 
  • Reduced screenings and testing can be attributed to both health system issues and patient concerns
  • Re-prioritisation of health system resources has caused a reduction in capacity and significant disruption to the provision of health services
  • Patient attitudes and concerns about engaging with the health system, especially for asymptomatic conditions and preventative measures, have also triggered the steep decline in screenings and testing
  • The response to the COVID-19 pandemic has already shown that much can be achieved by embracing innovation and adapting quickly
  • There is an ongoing need for collaboration at all levels and for organisations to learn quickly and share good practice
  • There is a shared responsibility to take action, which will require leadership, flexibility and cultural change in order for the lessons from this pandemic to be learned and to achieve greater resilience going forward
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