COVID-19 and Head, Neck, and Thyroid Cancer Diagnoses in Newfoundland and Labrador: Changes in Incidence and Severity

Authors

  • Zachary Visser Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland
  • Brandon Collins Discipline of Radiology, Memorial University of Newfoundland
  • Alexandra Hodder Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland https://orcid.org/0009-0000-6447-3526
  • Angus Hartery Mayfair Diagnostics

Abstract

Purpose: This study assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence and severity of head, neck, and thyroid cancers in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Methods: A retrospective population-based study analyzed new diagnoses from April 2019 to March 2022, divided into pre-COVID (2019–20), peak-COVID (2020–21), and post-COVID (2021–22) periods. Chi-square tests evaluated differences in cancer type and stage, Poisson regression compared population-adjusted advanced cancer incidence, and Kruskal-Wallis testing compared monthly case distribution differences.

Results: Among 592 patients, monthly case counts remained stable across periods (p = 0.423). The proportion of thyroid cancers decreased significantly over time (χ²(2) = 8.55, p = 0.014), dropping from 58.1% pre-COVID to 46.1% post-COVID; however, year-to-year differences were not statistically significant. Non-thyroid head and neck cancer proportions were stable (p = 0.593). The proportion of advanced-stage cancers rose significantly during the pandemic compared to the previous year (χ²(1) = 6.54, p = 0.011), but population-adjusted incidence rates of advanced cancers showed no significant change (IRR 1.28; 95% CI 0.84–1.93; p = 0.245).

Conclusions: Head, neck, and thyroid cancer diagnoses remained overall stable during the pandemic. Delays mainly affected early-stage detection, while advanced cases were prioritized. Maintaining timely diagnostic access and public education during disruptions is critical. Future studies should examine long-term outcomes and barriers to care during healthcare crises.

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Published

2026-07-31

How to Cite

Visser, Z., Collins, B., Hodder, A., & Hartery, A. (2026). COVID-19 and Head, Neck, and Thyroid Cancer Diagnoses in Newfoundland and Labrador: Changes in Incidence and Severity. Lithos - The Memorial University Medical Journal, 3(2), 34–40. Retrieved from https://journals.library.mun.ca/index.php/MUNMJ/article/view/2915

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 2 (2026): Vol. 3 No. 2 (2026)

Section

Original Research

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