Implementation of breast cancer and cervical cancer screening programmes in Poland during the first period of restrictions introduced due to COVID -19 pandemic

ABSTRACT

Introduction and objective: Prophylactic examinations allow the reduction in morbidity from breast cancer and cervical cancer. The aim of the study was to estimate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic and the first months of restrictions in public life, introduced due to the risk of its outbreak, on the provision of services within cancer prevention programmes in Poland. Material and methods: The analysis was performed based on information concerning the number of mammography and cytology tests carried out as part of the breast cancer screening programme and cervical cancer screening programme. The study was conducted during January - May in 2020, and the same period in 2019 - as a basis for comparison. The data relate to three (out of sixteen) Polish Provinces Katowice, Warsaw and Olsztyn.