Cancer Survival Rates Fell During COVID-19 Pandemic

Study finds 13% more cancer-related deaths within one year of diagnosis during 2020-2021 compared to pre-pandemic years.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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A new study from the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center found that people diagnosed with cancer during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic had lower survival rates compared to those diagnosed in the years before. The research estimates there were about 13% more cancer-related deaths within one year of diagnosis than expected during this period, suggesting pandemic-related disruptions in cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment resulted in worse outcomes for patients.

Why it matters

The findings highlight the significant impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on cancer care and outcomes, beyond the direct effects of the virus. The study underscores the need for increased cancer screening, rebuilt health care capacity, and better preparation for future public health disruptions to ensure cancer patients receive timely and uninterrupted care.

The details

The population study analyzed data from more than one million people diagnosed with cancer during 2020 and 2021 using the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database. Survival reductions occurred across both early- and late-stage cancer diagnoses, with patients 65 and older experiencing some of the largest decreases. The study also identified significant drops in survival for specific cancers, including colorectal, pancreatic and prostate cancers.

  • The study analyzed data from people diagnosed with cancer in 2020 and 2021.
  • The study was published on February 5, 2026 in the journal JAMA Oncology.

The players

University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center

A National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center and part of the University of Kentucky.

Todd Burus, Ph.D.

Assistant professor in the UK College of Medicine and member of the UK Markey Cancer Center's Community Impact Office, and the senior author of the study.

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What they’re saying

“It's unfortunate that, during a time when so much focus was on preserving lives from a novel respiratory virus, we failed to maintain existing levels of care for individuals faced with a cancer diagnosis.”

— Todd Burus, Ph.D., Assistant professor and senior author (JAMA Oncology)

What’s next

The study's authors point to the need for increased cancer screening, rebuilt health care capacity, and better preparation for future public health disruptions to ensure cancer patients receive timely and uninterrupted care.

The takeaway

This study highlights the significant collateral damage the COVID-19 pandemic had on cancer care and outcomes, underscoring the importance of maintaining essential health services even during major public health crises to prevent further loss of life.