The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Screening Programs for Cervical Cancer Prevention Across Europe.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to estimate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the practice of cervical cancer screening in European countries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A 3 rounds e-survey was conducted among the 31 European Federation for Colposcopy member countries during 2020. Each representative was asked to answer to each questionnaire for their own country. Questionnaires were not anonymous. The first questionnaire was sent in April 2020 and second and third in June and December 2020, respectively.

RESULTS

Twenty five of the 31 European countries solicited responded. A total of 19 countries (70.4%) reported that screening for cervical cancer was suspended at least once during the 3 rounds of questionnaires. In addition, 11 countries reported stopping colposcopy and treatments for cervical precancerous lesions at least once during the 3 rounds of questionnaires. These situations evolved with time, with the highest rate of countries recommending suspension of screening, colposcopy, and treatments during the second round of the survey. At round 3, no country recommended screening, colposcopy, and treatment, and 12 countries (57.5%) reported normal screening was fully implemented.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest massive disruption in cervical cancer screening programs across Europe resulting from COVID-19 pandemic. Increase in the incidence of cervical cancer is to be expected.