Colomb Medica
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We analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on oncology service demand in a middle-income country with universal health coverage. ⋯ Starting the confinement (April 2020), a general decrease in service demand was observed (R: -14.9% to -90.0%), with an additional but lower decrease in August 2020 coinciding with the first pandemic wave (R: -11.3% to -70.0%). Follow-up visits and ambulatory treatment showed no consistent reductions. New patients' consultations for cross-cutting services had a speedy recovery (1 month), but clinical oncology, specialized units, and in-hospital treatment resumed more slowly. Only breast and stomach cancer showed a sustained reduction in early-stage disease. Women and older patients had a more significant reductionin service demand. Conclusion: Despite no changes in service supply, the confinement induced a significant reduction in service demand. Variations by cancer type, service type, and population demographics deserve careful consideration for a suitable response to the emergency. The speedy recovery and the absence of a significant decrease during subsequent waves of the pandemic suggest patient resiliency and a lower impact than expected in middle-income settings in the presence of universal health insurance.
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Observational Study
Incidence and mortality by cancer in the Pasto municipality, Colombia. 2013-2017.
The information permanently produced by population cancer registries is the input used by decision makers of the local and national health systems in order for planning cancer prevention strategies and evaluating the impact of their interventions. ⋯ The five-year follow-up of cancer burden indicators allows to make comparisons at both national and international levels, in order to provide the basis for planning and evaluating the implementation of public health policies; especially those related to the prevention and care of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality from cancer in Pasto-Colombia.
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To analyze the cervix cancer mortality in Colombia, based on age, period and cohort effects. ⋯ Demographic factors could explain the behavior of cervical cancer mortality in Colombia, as well as the establishment of public health measures in the last two decades.
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Cancer represents a challenge for global public health, since it requires a comprehensive strategy for its control. In this context, the Population-Based Cancer Registries (PBCR) are key actors for the generation of public policies that guarantee their implementation. ⋯ The information presented by the PBCR of Quito serves as a reference for the prognosis of cancer in the country and as a baseline for its control. Actions are urgently required to strengthen cancer prevention and promotion strategies.