The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on renal cancer care

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The COVID-19 pandemic led to a 25% decrease in cancer diagnoses in the Netherlands due to postponed medical care and patient avoidance.
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Renal cancer treatment guidelines were adapted, prioritizing urgent surgeries while recommending delays for less urgent procedures and systemic therapies.
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During the first COVID wave, there was a 30% decline in new renal cell carcinoma diagnoses, with a subsequent decrease of 20% in later periods.
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The decline in diagnoses was primarily among elderly patients and those with early-stage tumors, particularly T1a/T1b tumors.
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In 2021, the number of new RCC diagnoses returned to levels comparable to 2018/2019, indicating recovery in cancer care post-pandemic.

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