In 2022, the mortality rate from melanoma skin cancer in Northern Ireland was *** deaths per 100,000 for men and *** deaths per 100,000 for women. The overall mortality rate has climbed in Northern Ireland since 2000.

Over the provided time period, the incident rate of cancer in Northern Ireland increased to 767.3 cases per 100,000 population in 2019. In 2020, the incidence fell to around 657 cases per 100,000, but the decline may have been caused by the COVID-19 pandemic affecting diagnosis rates. As a matter of fact, in 2021 this figure increased again, reaching 730.1 cases per 100,000 population. This statistic displays the incidence rate of cancer per 100,000 individuals in Northern Ireland from 2000 to 2021.

BackgroundGlobally, breast cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment services were significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Locally, the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry (NICR) reported an 11% reduction in breast cancers diagnosed April-December 2020 compared with the same period 2018−2019 despite an expected increase. This study aims to identify how the patient journey was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and how service provision can be improved.MethodsPopulation-based quantitative data will be collected by NICR for individuals diagnosed with invasive breast cancer (ICD 10 code C50). Data on presentation, investigations, comorbidities (including COVID-19 infection), molecular markers, stage at diagnosis, treatment, and survival will be examined. Two time periods will be compared: March-December 2018 (pre-COVID-19 cohort) and March-December 2020 (COVID-19 cohort). Analysis will include descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and ANOVAs. Patient experiences of living with breast cancer and interacting with the healthcare system during the pandemic (March 2020-April 2024) will be captured through an online, self-completed, anonymous cross-sectional international survey. Quality of life will be captured in the survey using the EQ-5D-3L. Detailed descriptive qualitative interviews will be undertaken to better understand the lived experience of breast cancer and recommend ways that services and support programs can effectively meet the needs of this patient group. This study benefits from the inclusion of patient representatives who have been involved since the inception of this project.DiscussionThis study aims to quantify the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on breast cancer patient outcomes in a UK region and make recommendations to improve patient care and outcomes in the short and long term.