Cancer diagnoses rates fell by half during US lockdown: Study

The number of cancers diagnosed weekly in the United States fell by almost fifty percent during March and April. /Reuters

The number of cancers diagnosed weekly in the United States fell by almost fifty percent during March and April compared to the recent average, a study said, the latest to examine the impacts of COVID-19 lockdowns.

Emergency room visits additionally appear to have dropped for heart attacks, strokes and even appendicitis - trends that are being confirmed through ongoing studies.

Child vaccinations have also stalled globally, according to the UN, and world health bodies are alarmed by the impact on the fight against HIV, malaria and tuberculosis as screening campaigns, logistics and access to health care have been disrupted.

(With input from agencies)