opinion: we can learn from covid-19 pandemic to tackle cancer

the lesson is evident—when we work together and make concerted efforts at what we deem an urgent need, we can effectively combat a deadly threat.

by andrea seale, ceo, canadian cancer society

published nov 13, 2023

3 minute read

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3 minute read

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opinion: we can learn from covid-19 pandemic to fight cancer

a canadian modelling study estimated that disruptions to cancer care during the pandemic could lead to over 21,000 additional deaths from cancer in canada over the next decade. getty images

in the wake of the covid-19 pandemic, canada’s primary concern was to contain the virus, and rightfully so. although we’ve faced past pandemics throughout history, the scope and impact of this one was uniquely challenging. for the first time, we’re seeing new data painting a picture of the covid-19 mortality toll in canada. in the recently released canadian cancer statistics report, data reveals that in 2020, covid-19 became the country’s 3rd leading cause of death, responsible for about 16,000 deaths in canada. this represents 5.3 per cent of all deaths, behind heart disease at 17.5 per cent and well behind cancer at 26.4 per cent. we can all remember the daily headlines in the news sharing tragic stories of loss and the deep impact the pandemic has had on families and communities globally, and right here in canada.

however, the newly released report also reveals that amidst the fight against covid-19, another significant crisis continued to silently claim lives.

cancer persisted as the leading cause of death in canada. according to new data from the canadian cancer statistics report, 239,100 people in canada are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2023 and 86,700 are expected to die from the disease. these numbers are expected to rise further in future years, due to a growing and aging population. not to mention that we have yet to see the impact the pandemic will have on future cancer diagnoses.

shutdowns led to delays in early detection, screening, diagnosis and treatment that may result in later-stage diagnoses with a poorer prognosis. in the first six months of the pandemic, there was a 25 per cent reduction in diagnostic imaging and a 20 per cent reduction in the number of cancer surgeries. a canadian modelling study estimated that disruptions to cancer care during the pandemic could lead to over 21,000 additional deaths from cancer in canada over the next decade.

let me be very clear: the relatively low covid-19 death toll in canada when compared to other illnesses like cancer and heart disease does not diminish the seriousness of the virus. instead, i believe it reflects the swift and collective actions taken to ensure the death rate remained as low as possible.

compare our rates to the united states, for example, which had a covid-19 death rate almost three times higher than canada’s in 2020. we can attribute a lower death rate to several factors, including groundbreaking research, rapid vaccine distribution and uptake, prompt government interventions, community support, and significant funding and resources.

the lesson is evident—when we work together and make concerted efforts at what we deem an urgent need, we can effectively combat a deadly threat.

if we invested such dedication in managing a virus responsible for 5.3 per cent of deaths, we must apply that same level of attention and urgency to cancer – a disease that consistently holds its spot as the top contributor to death in canada, responsible for more than a quarter of all deaths in our country.

the covid-19 pandemic has shown it’s possible, but not without collective efforts. it’s a challenge that cannot be tackled in isolation.

while brilliant scientists swiftly developed vaccines, their widespread accessibility – whether through vaccination centres and community-led clinics or local pharmacies – played a pivotal role in their success. the availability of covid-19 tests in everyday places like grocery stores and pharmacies encouraged their frequent use. messaging from government and public health agencies reinforced the seriousness of the virus, making us understand the importance of following public health measures. financial support for businesses and individuals weathering the pandemic helped mitigate some economic repercussions. all these efforts, while imperfect in many ways, no doubt helped curb covid-19 death rates.

now, imagine a similar approach for cancer. if we, as a society, made cancer the priority.

imagine if cancer screening was available easily, all across the country, to everyone who needed it. imagine if more money was available for cancer research, to help skyrocket discoveries. imagine if our healthcare system was one where everyone had a primary care provider and no one had to wait for the life-saving or preventative care they needed. if no one had to pay out of pocket for their life-saving cancer drugs.

if you can imagine those things, then you can imagine a future where cancer isn’t as deadly. a future with fewer diagnoses and better health outcomes. what the covid-19 pandemic has shown us is that it’s possible if we act together and if we recognize cancer as the crisis that it is.

andrea seale is ceo of the canadian cancer society