Cancer rates since covid 19

Rising Cancer Rates

Recent studies show that certain cancers, like liver and kidney cancer, have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Several factors are contributing to this rise:

Healthcare Disruptions

The COVID-19 pandemic caused major disruptions in healthcare services, leading to delays in cancer screenings and treatments.

This has resulted in more cases being diagnosed at later stages, which often leads to worse outcomes for patients. The American Cancer Society (ACS) has reported an increase in cancer-related deaths during the pandemic, partly due to these delays.

Inflammation and Viral Impact

COVID-19 is linked to increased inflammation and immune responses, which can lead to cancer. Inflammation in organs like the liver and kidneys raises cancer risks.

The virus that causes COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, enters cells through ACE2 receptors, which are found in both liver and kidney tissues. This interaction may cause direct damage to these organs and increase the risk of inflammation-related cancers.

Studies from Mount Sinai have shown that COVID-19 can worsen kidney health, and there is a connection between viral infections and kidney cancer markers.

Specific Findings on Liver and Kidney Diseases

Liver Disease

Liver cancer cases are rising around the world. Key factors include chronic infections like hepatitis B and C, which harm the liver. The pandemic may have made this situation worse by delaying treatments and regular check-ups. Studies predict liver cancer cases could increase by over 50% by 2040.

Kidney Disease

COVID-19 can cause acute kidney injury (AKI), particularly in severely ill patients. There is a clear link between the severity of COVID-19 and kidney problems, which could lead to long-term kidney damage and a higher risk of kidney cancer.

Research shows that many hospitalized COVID-19 patients had pre-existing kidney issues, and the virus made these conditions worse.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic has deeply affected liver and kidney diseases, including cancers. Healthcare disruptions and the inflammation caused by the virus have led to more cases. Ongoing monitoring and better healthcare strategies are crucial to tackling these growing health issues.