Researchers analysing national and regional cancer registries report that the COVID-19 pandemic measurably disrupted melanoma detection and altered some prognostic features, with different patterns in Sweden and Victoria, Australia. Using registry data on invasive cutaneous melanoma diagnosed between 2013 and 2021, the study found an immediate fall in melanoma incidence after the start of the pandemic in March 2020, driven mainly by fewer diagnoses of thin, early-stage tumours and most pronounced in older people.
The two jurisdictions were chosen for their contrasting pandemic responses: Sweden took relatively lenient public‑health measures, while Victoria employed strict, prolonged lockdowns. Both areas saw the early drop in new melanoma cases, but they diverged afterwards. Sweden’s incidence gradually returned toward expected pre‑pandemic levels, whereas Victoria’s incidence remained persistently lower through the study period, with no clear recovery to prior trends.
The investigators assessed established prognostic indicators: Breslow thickness (the depth of the tumour), ulceration, and lymph node involvement. Changes in tumour characteristics were modest overall but noteworthy. In Victoria the median Breslow thickness stayed at 0.7 mm, yet the distribution shifted — indicating a relative increase in thicker melanomas even though the median did not change. Sweden showed no major change in thickness but did experience a small rise in ulceration rates. Rates of lymph node metastasis remained stable in both regions.
The authors attribute the drop in diagnoses largely to reduced access to care and delayed presentations during the pandemic, which disproportionately affected detection of early, thin melanomas. They suggest that Victoria’s more sustained decline may reflect the longer duration and greater intensity of its restrictions.
While some of the reduced incidence likely represents delayed, not permanently missed, diagnoses, the relative shift toward less favourable tumour features raises concern about potential long‑term impacts on outcomes. The study authors call for continued monitoring and targeted public‑health efforts to address any lasting effects on melanoma care.
Reference: Sand C et al., “Evaluating COVID‑19 Pandemic Impact on Melanoma Incidence and factors in Regions with Different Infection Control Strategies,” Br J Dermatol, 2026; DOI: 10.1093/bjd/ljag172.
Original Source: https://www.emjreviews.com/dermatology/news/covid-19-pandemic-linked-to-drop-in-melanoma-diagnoses/
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Publish Date: 2026-05-05 14:16:00
