CROSS-CUTTING WORKING GROUPS

This working group seeks to perform a retrospective exercise to document changes in cancer statistics in the wake of the pandemic, using lung cancer as a starting point.

This working group aims to conduct systematic reviews of behaviours (e.g. smoking , physical activity) associated with cancer risks during and after the pandemic. This seeks to inform modelling of the consequent long-term impacts on cancer risk, and the effects of cancer prevention strategies.

This working group uses existing well calibrated and validated model platforms to perform comparative modelling analyses to assess the impact of disruptions to cancer screening and recovery strategies. It also supports the development of new model platforms (especially for LMIC and exploration of cross-cutting themes such as gender and equity) via capacity building approach involving participation of new modelling groups or individuals and inclusion of these models in exploratory analyses alongside more formal comparative analyses as appropriate.

This working group aims to bring together established platforms for modelling cancer survival and treatment outcomes for comparative analysis amongst different countries. The group will also forecast impacts of various scenarios (including the Covid-19 crisis effects) on cancer patients, assessing additional deaths, Life Years Saved, Health-Adjusted Life Years, and healthcare resources. The group will also foster capacity building through involving new modeling entities, integrating their models into both exploratory and formal analysis. Furthermore, the I-PaRCS initiative recognizes the importance of diversified research methods. In addition to modeling, we employ systematic reviews to evaluate and consolidate existing evidence. We aim to ultimately create a repository comprising high-quality evidence, fostering a robust foundation for future analyses and informed decision-making.

Using a comparative modelling approach, this working group assessed the impact of COVID-19 on CRC incidence and mortality incorporating impact on CRC screening, delays to diagnosis and delays to treatment in Australia and Canada.

In 2021, the World Health Organisation commissioned two systematic reviews, one examines whether COVID-19 increases the risk of death in people for people with cancer, the other investigates the impact of ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on health services and possible mitigation strategies.