While overall cancer mortality continues to decline due to early detection and revolutionary cancer treatments, cancer incidence is on the rise. According to the American Cancer Society, this trend is largely due to the rise in cancer diagnoses in an aging and growing population (2). As patients continue to live longer, there is a critical need for universal, unique, and unconventional approaches to research, prevention, and treatment. 

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a profound impact on various aspects of healthcare, including cancer detection and treatment. The disruption in routine cancer screenings and diagnostic procedures due to lockdowns, resource allocation, and a general reluctance of individuals to seek medical attention amidst the pandemic is likely to result in an increase of advance-stage cancer diagnoses. 

Studies have found that between April and May 2020, there were fewer than expected cases recorded for a variety of cancer types (3). Additionally, the prioritization of COVID-19-related care and the strain on healthcare resources have posed challenges for cancer treatment, with delays in surgeries, chemotherapy, and other interventions. The beginning months of the pandemic also saw a reduction in pathology reports, further hindering cancer treatment (3).

In light of the anticipated rise in advanced-stage cancer diagnoses, there is an urgent need for innovative research that can effectively address these challenges. By fostering a commitment to innovation, we can pave the way for advancements that not only mitigate the impact of the current challenges but also establish a resilient foundation for the future of cancer care.