Reduction in Skin Cancer Diagnoses in the UK during COVID‐19 Pandemic

Andrew, T.W.; Alrawi, M.; Lovat, P.

The UK healthcare system has been profoundly affected by the COVID‐19 Pandemic, including skin cancer departments. Despite service capacity and a worldwide increase in incidence, anecdotal reports suggest a decline in skin cancer diagnoses following COVID‐19. To determine if there is a decrease in skin cancer diagnosis in the UK in the COVID‐19 era, we analysed data from the Northern Cancer Network from March 23(rd) 2020 to June 23(rd) 2020 and compared it to the same period last year. In the COVID Period there was a decrease in skin cancer diagnoses of 68.61% from 3619 to 1136 (p<0.0028). Surprisingly, skin cancer waiting times were also reduced in the COVID Period compared to Before COVID Period (median 8 days and 12 days respectively; p<0.0001). Collectively these data highlight a statistically significant reduction in both skin cancer diagnoses and waiting times during the COVID Period.