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The WHO officially declared the Covid-19 pandemic over, whilst reminding us there are still reasons to take care.
If you have the NHS Covid-19 app installed on your phone, you may have received an alert at the end of April 2023 announcing the app’s closure. A piece of technology which had flaws but did save lives and provide a base for the future.
We can not know if, or when another pandemic will arrive. Recent developments in vaccines, medical care and information management will make us better prepared.
Not that the existing Covid-19 pandemic is entirely over, there are still fatalities and medical facilities continue to take extra care. Vaccination has however made a difference and the situation is manageable.
Valuable lessons were learned during the pandemic, including ensuring that wider medical treatment remains available. There is also a need to encourage people to seek and maintain treatment.
The Indirect Effect
An early 2023 review collated global research, on how the Covid-19 pandemic affected medication adherence in dermatology.
Patients on medication which modulated, or suppressed the immune system became reticent to take this. Concerns for Covid safety outweighed the logic of continuing treatment, even though ceasing made some depressed, or anxious.
The fall off was clear, with constant monitoring and communication from dermatologists the best way identified to assist. Neither was this the only pandemic downside, with missed diagnosis, or treatment increasing.
A reflection again of personal choice, along with overload delays within the medical system. Points which apply to all dermatological conditions, although one particular aspect has been notably affected.
The Skin Cancer Outcome
The study mentioned above included advanced basal cell carcinomas and as with other disciplines, a proportion of patients reduced, or stopped treatment. Not a good outcome and there were wider issues.
The UK’s National Disease Registration Service showed a record 224,000 skin cancer cases in England in 2019, just before the pandemic struck. A symptom of a consistent rise, for a disease which is now the most common form of cancer in the UK.
Numbers diagnosed during the pandemic went in the opposite direction, as did the level of treatment. A combination of people being reticent to seek diagnosis, or treatment and reduced health service support.
Most dermatological conditions benefit from early intervention and none more so than skin cancers. What occurred should not happen again.
Looking Forward
Some private clinics such as ours were able and willing to offer treatment during the pandemic. Not always ideal but far better than the national picture, from which we hope improved plans will emerge for future interruptions.
The effective use of telemedicine and online messaging was demonstrated. Not quite the same as an in person appointment but much can be achieved, which includes supporting patients already receiving treatment.
Along with maintaining medicinal care, this can have a positive effect on patients mental health. Whether already receiving skin cancer treatment, or needing a diagnosis, the best route is to see your dermatologist rather than delay.